# Figeater Beetle (*Cotinis mutabilis*) The Figeater Beetle is a shiny green beetle that loves to munch on ripe figs and fruits. They are often seen buzzing around gardens and trees, making them a fun sight to spot! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 2 - **Habitat:** Urban areas - **Also known as:** Fig Beetle ![Figeater Beetle](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Figeater_beetle.jpg&width=800) Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Elf assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Figeater_beetle.jpg) ## Appearance The Figeater Beetle has a large, metallic emerald-green body often with dull orange-yellow markings on its head and underside. Its smooth, iridescent wing covers can appear bronze in certain light, making it a striking jewel among insects. They are notably larger than many common garden beetles. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Coleoptera - **Family:** Scarabaeidae - **Genus:** Cotinis ## Interesting facts - Adult Figeater Beetles are often heard before they are seen, flying with a loud, distinctive buzz! - Their larvae are giant C-shaped grubs that live underground for up to two years before becoming beetles! - They are sometimes called 'Green June Beetles' in some areas, though they are a different species! - When they fly, Figeater Beetles keep their hard wing covers closed, only extending their delicate hindwings! ## Special abilities - **Subterranean Strength:** Figeater Beetle larvae can burrow deep underground because of their strong mandibles, helping them stay safe and find decaying matter. - **Aerial Navigator:** Figeater Beetles can fly with a distinct buzzing sound because of their large, powerful wings, helping them quickly locate ripe fruit. - **Ferment Sense:** Figeater Beetles can detect the scent of fermenting fruit from a distance because of specialized antennae, helping them find their next meal. - **Earth Architect:** The Figeater Beetle pupates in a sturdy soil chamber it builds, protecting it during metamorphosis from larva to adult. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 40-60 mm - **Size:** 20-35 mm - **Lifespan:** 30-60 days - **Flight Speed:** 12 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding These beetles love to feast on super ripe and decaying fruits, especially figs, and even tree sap! - **Age differences:** Larvae eat decaying organic matter in soil, while adults primarily consume ripe and fermenting fruits. - **Primary Foods:** Figs, Peaches, Grapes, Plums, Sap, Decaying Fruit - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Common Fig](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-fig) (*Ficus carica*) — Feasts on ripe fruit from fig trees. - **Eats:** Peach (*Prunus persica*) — Consumes decaying or ripe peaches. - **Eaten by:** [American Crow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-crow) (*Corvus brachyrhynchos*) — Preyed upon by opportunistic birds. - **Eaten by:** Virginia Opossum (*Didelphis virginiana*) — Forages for them on the ground. ## Traits - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Figeater Beetles are harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Figeater Beetle? Look for hard wing covers meeting in a line down the back, then compare the antennae, body shape, legs and markings. Metallic colors shift a lot with lighting. Beetle Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Figeater Beetle's wingspan? 40-60 mm ### How big is Figeater Beetle? 20-35 mm ### How long does Figeater Beetle live? 30-60 days ### How fast can Figeater Beetle fly? 12 km/h ### What does Figeater Beetle eat? These beetles love to feast on super ripe and decaying fruits, especially figs, and even tree sap! ### Where is Figeater Beetle usually found? Urban areas ### How does Figeater Beetle hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Mesilla Plaza](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mesilla-plaza) — New Mexico, US · Park - [Talmadge](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/talmadge) — California, US · Neighborhood - [Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks War Memorial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/van-nuys-sherman-oaks-war-memorial-park) — California, US · Park - [Warm Springs Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/warm-springs-park) — California, US · Park [View all places to see Figeater Beetle](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/figeater-beetle) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Figeater Beetle: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/figeater-beetle)