caught in the act!

The figeater beatle, Cotinis mutabilis, is said to eat figs. When I see these huge members of the scarab beetle family, they are usually buzzing around the yard in their slow, lumbering way. Today, though, I caught one in the act of eating a dried fig. Though these beetles are destructive, I find their green iridescent green exoskeletons quite beautiful.

figeater beetle - Cotinis mutabilis