page_title: Trigonopeltastes delta
section_title: Description
hierarchical_section_title: Trigonopeltastes delta / Description
caption_attribution_description: I call these "Pleiadian Space Beetles" but it turns out this unique beetle already has a name...the Delta Flower Scarab (Trigonopeltastes delta). The distinctive delta pattern on the pronotum is believed to be defensive mimicry of wasps, including the Southern yellowjacket and paper wasps. They feed on pollen and nectar and their larvae live in decaying wood. This one was found on Coastalplain palafox (Palafoxia integrifolia) at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Florida.
context_page_description: Trigonopeltastes delta, the delta flower scarab or D beetle, is a diurnal species of scarab beetle native to the southeastern United States, though their range extends as far north as New Jersey.
context_section_description: Adults measure 8-10 millimeters in length, and can be identified by the yellow triangle on the pronotum, which resembles the defensive coloration of many wasps and has been theorized to act as Batesian mimicry. They can be found from late spring through the summer on the flowers, including those of Queen Anne's lace and New Jersey tea.
caption: Adult on a coastalplain palafox flower.
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