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Wildlife
- Close
- - We protect wildlife in Britain and around the world by bringing our most threatened species back from the brink of extinction. We do this through ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
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- Close
- - Some habitats contain such a richness of life that we need to protect them at all odds. We are working to preserve ancient woodlands, orchards and wood pastures and parklands, as well as the countless species they support.
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- - Everything we do is based on scientific evidence. We gather this through surveys, which you can take part in, and by awarding research grants to the most inspiring scientists worldwide. This evidence guides our conservation efforts and is shared through our events and publications.
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- - People’s Trust for Endangered Species was set up in 1977 to save our wildlife. We are governed by a board of volunteer trustees and our team of staff are passionate about protecting endangered species and places.
Success stories
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- - We strive to bring our most threatened species in the UK and around the world back from the brink of extinction. Our successes come from ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
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- - There are so many ways you can help save endangered species. Fancy taking part in a survey, joining us on a wildlife event or becoming a regular supporter?
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- - Support our work in our shop with a range of charity gifts, home-ware, cards and more. 100% of the profits go directly to help wildlife both in the UK an overseas.
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- - There is nothing natural about the alarming rate at which we are losing animals and their homes. It is absolutely avoidable. We can stop the loss of our wildlife – but we need your support. You can act now by choosing to give to our cause. Thank you.

Home // Key species and habitats // Noble chafer beetles // Rose chafer beetle facts

Rose chafer beetle facts

Status

Least concern

Population

Widespread, common in southern England and Wales, scarce in northern regions

Scientific name

Cetonia aurata

The Rose Chafer (Cetonia aurata) is one of the UK’s most striking beetles. With its shimmering metallic-green body and distinctive white markings, it is a wonderful insect to spot in gardens, grasslands, and woodland during the summer months.

Identification

Rose Chafers are medium-sized beetles, growing up to 20mm in length. They are easily recognised by their bright metallic-green colour and the irregular white lines across their wing cases. They are sometimes confused with the much rarer Noble Chafer (Gnorimus nobilis). However, the Rose Chafer can be identified by the extended V-shaped scutellum on its back, a feature that the Noble Chafer lacks.

The two species also differ in body shape:

Rose Chafer: streamlined and shield-like in appearance.

Noble Chafer: has a more pronounced “waist” and a head that extends further forward.

Life cycle

Rose Chafers begin life underground as larvae, where they feed on decomposing vegetation. This stage can last for several years. In autumn, the larvae pupate beneath the soil. They remain hidden underground throughout the winter before emerging as adults the following spring.

Nutrient recycling

Rose Chafers play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. As larvae, they feed on decaying organic matter such as dead leaves and rotting wood. By breaking down this material, they help recycle nutrients back into the soil, improving soil health and supporting plant growth.

Diet

Adult Rose Chafers feed on nectar, pollen, and flowers, with a particular fondness for roses. Their feeding habits also make them valuable pollinators.

Distribution

Rose Chafers are found throughout much of the UK, although they are generally more common in southern regions.

Habitat

You are most likely to spot a Rose Chafer during the summer months in woodland, grassland, hedgerows, gardens and parks. Their love of flowers means they are often seen visiting blooming plants on warm, sunny days.