Trichostetha fascicularis

Trichostetha fascicularis is a large, metallic-green beetle found in South Africa.

Description
The Protea Beetle is about 25mm long. It has metallic-green wing cases with a black head and thorax which has two white vertical stripes. It has orange hairs growing around the bottom of its body.

Habitat
It is found in South Africa wherever proteas occur. Adults feed on the pollen and nectar. They live in fynbos, mountainous habitats, and residential gardens if its food supply is available.

Subspecies
T. fascicularis has four subspecies:
 * Trichostetha fascicularis maraisi Stobbia, 1995
 * Trichostetha fascicularis natalis Burmeister, 1842
 * Trichostetha fascicularis nigripennis Allard, 1992
 * Trichostetha fascicularis prunipennis Burmeister, 1842