Cetonia

/sɪˈtoʊniə/ noun

Definition

A genus of large, metallic-colored beetles, commonly called rose beetles, known for feeding on flowers and fruits.

Etymology

From Latin 'cetus' (whale) in modified form, though the etymology of why this beetle genus received a 'cetus'-derived name is unclear and may relate to size or shape characteristics.

Kelly Says

Cetonia beetles are iridescent jewels of the insect world—their metallic green, gold, and copper colors come from the structure of their exoskeleton rather than pigment, a phenomenon called structural color that also explains why some butterfly wings shimmer.

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