Yellow-bellied Sun Beetle Pachnoda sinuata

Sun Beetles are several species and many subspecies of colourful, patterned beetles which are native to Africa. They are also called Fruit Chafers. Adults eat soft fruit and larvae eat leaf litter.

The Yellow-bellied Sun Beetle is also called the Garden Fruit Chafer and the Brown and Yellow Fruit Chafer. Its yellow and black markings are to deter predators.

The pattern can be dark brown and one subspecies has a red background colour. It is native the to the Congo, East and southern Africa. (Centre/right above are flaviventris subspecies of Namibia.)

The yellow belly. Male and female have a similar appearance. Adults grow to 2.5 cm.

They eat over-ripe fruit and also rose flowers.