[Scarabaeidae] Gymnetis thula Ratcliffe, 2018

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TAXONOMY Latin Name: Gymnetis thula Ratcliffe, 2018 English Name: Harlequin Flower Beetles Size: Distribution: USA (southern states in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida) and Mexico (immediate boarder to USA). Known Hosts: hardwoods. Etymology: The species name thula means the furthest north, as G. thula is the only species of Genus Gymnetis occurring in the United States, and all other species are found in Central and South America. Comment: Adults feed on ripe fruit, and known to be attracted to lights.

REARING/BREEDING G. thula is very easy species to rear and breed. They lay a huge number of eggs, and larvae grow rapidly. Best species ever for the beginners. They are communal beetles that you can keep a large numbers together without cannibalism.