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Beetle - Cotinis nitida
Copyright © 2009 Ron M.

Beetle - Cotinis nitida
Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, USA
September 6, 2007
Had a swarm of about 12-15 of these fly in to our lantana bushes from down the street. They stayed from 20 minutes or so then flew back. I am having a hard time telling if they are Cotinis mutabilis or Cotinis nitida. Any ideas?

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Beetle - Cotinis nitida Beetle - Cotinis nitida
Contributed by Ron M. on 12 March, 2009 - 3:11am
Last updated 19 March, 2009 - 5:55pm

Strictly subjective, but I'd say C. nitida.
We have a lot of C. mutabilis here and color seems different to me, particularly the orangish border. Yours is also more glossy than those I've seen.

Range appears to favor C. nitida, assuming they stay on your side of the Texas line.
… Ron Hemberger, 12 March, 2009 - 11:59am

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