Garden fruit chafers are a species of beetle found throughout South Africa. They are often found in gardens and orchards, eating flowers and fruit. Many gardeners consider them pests.
The life of a garden fruit chafer
Garden fruit chafers grow to about an inch in length. When feeding, they suck juices from fruit and leave what remains. They also feast on flowers and the leaves of trees and shrubs.
Garden fruit chafers grow in four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Adults lay eggs on compost. The eggs develop into larvae that look like caterpillars or worms. The larvae feed on the compost and grow to the pupa stage. The pupae develop wings that form a strong outer shell.
After this process, the garden fruit chafer reaches adulthood. Adults have a short lifespan of only a few weeks. Their strong wings act as a protective shell that is difficult to crack. Still, they are vulnerable to predators, which include birds, small mammals and other insects.
Garden fruit chafers at the zoo
Located in the Insect Zoo.
