Other Common Names
Green Fruit Beetle, Figeater Beetle
Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Cotinis mutabilis (Gory and Percheron)
Goodrich lists 25 synonyms.
(1)
The genus is *frequently* spelled "Cotinus" but this is the genus of the
smoketree...
Identification
Similar to other Cotinis: mostly green and shiny. Note extension of pronotum covering scutellum (notch between elytra at front).
Range
Western United States. California, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Mexico.
(2)Season
Mid to late summer. July-September (Arizona).
Food
Adults feed on ripe fruit and sometimes sap.
Life Cycle
Adults lay eggs in late summer in decaying organic matter, such as compost, dung, where larvae feed. Pupation occurs in spring, and adults emerge in mid to late summer.
Print References
Arnett and Jacques #113, photo
(3)
Powell and Hogue, p. 277, plate 14d, photo
(4)
Werner and Olson, pp. 72-73
(6)
Drees, p. 100, mentions occurrence in Texas
(7)Internet References
Farmer Fred--notes presence in Sacramento County, California.
