Tags: beetle | Coleoptera | Helotid | insect

Helotids are a group of remarkable beetles which are characterized by their flattened bodies, bronze coloration, and two pairs pale yellow spots on elytra. They belong to a small family which comprises around 100 species. Nine species are found from Taiwan. Helota thoracica Ritsema is the largest species among Taiwanese ones. Their body length ranges from 12 to 15 mm. Larvae and adults feed on liquid which contains high concentration of sugar. Thus tree saps and juicy fruits are their favorite foods. Adults of other species visit flowers, but larvae are unknown.

Neohelota taiwana (Ohta)	Neohelota montana (Ohta)	Helota thoracica Ritsema

Digital Insect of Taiwan Agriculture Research Institute