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Mesembrina latreillii

Mesembrina latreillii

Mesembrina latreillii, also known as the 'Golden Tortoise Beetle', is a shiny, colorful insect that can change its color! It loves to munch on plants and is often found in gardens.

Habitat: Urban areas, Gardens

Appearance

The Mesembrina latreillii is a striking fly with a metallic greenish-black head and thorax that shimmers in light. Its abdomen is a bright, contrasting orange-yellow or golden, making it easily distinguishable. It has large, reddish-brown compound eyes and dark legs.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyMuscidaeGenusMesembrina

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Despite its bold colors, it usually flies away swiftly if approached.

Its babies help clean up the environment by eating old animal dung.

Mesembrina latreillii often looks like a giant, colorful housefly.

This fly wears a shiny metallic green suit with a bright orange belt!

Special abilities

Ability

Shimmering Colors

Mesembrina latreillii has a metallic, iridescent exoskeleton that helps it blend into varied green foliage or stand out to potential mates.

Ability

Quick Escape Flight

Mesembrina latreillii can fly rapidly and maneuver quickly, helping it evade predators like birds and capture mates.

Ability

Waste Recycler Larvae

Mesembrina latreillii larvae can break down decaying organic matter, which helps recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
18-25 mm
Size
8-12 mm
Lifespan
20-60 days
Flight Speed
12 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip nectar from flowers, while their young munch on decaying organic matter to grow big!

Age differences: Larvae feed on decaying organic matter and animal dung, while adults drink nectar and feed on pollen from flowers.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Pollen
  • Animal dung
  • Rotting vegetation

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Be gentle and watchful when exploring gardens; some insects can bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Mesembrina latreillii?

Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

What is Mesembrina latreillii's wingspan?

18-25 mm

How big is Mesembrina latreillii?

8-12 mm

How long does Mesembrina latreillii live?

20-60 days

How fast can Mesembrina latreillii fly?

12 km/h

What does Mesembrina latreillii eat?

Adults sip nectar from flowers, while their young munch on decaying organic matter to grow big!

Where is Mesembrina latreillii usually found?

Urban areas, Gardens

How does Mesembrina latreillii hunt?

Foraging

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