Image of Green June Beetle

Description:

"Green June Beetle (Cotinis nitida) 25 July 2014: This Green June Beetle (Cotinis nitida) was drowning and on its back it seemed in three inches of Cooper Creek’s water not far from Avondale Park. We were hiking and studying the creek’s flora and fauna and happened on this unhappy June Bug who was still very much alive and kicking. After taking its digital image we pulled it to the side and outside of the water and turned it upside right. We do not know what became of the beetle after we rescued it. Variously known as Green June Beetle, June Bug and June Beetle, this particular form of this beetle is found in the eastern half of the United States from Maine to Georgia, and west through Kansas and Texas to the west, though most especially in the South. In Texas, perhaps in the more western sections of the state, there may be crossover with its related southwestern species, the Figeater Beetle (Cotinis mutabilis). Numerous bird and small mammal species feed both on the larval and adult forms of this beautifully colored if somewhat klutzy insect. Because of its range in North America Green June Beetle is an authentic resident of the Western Hemisphere. Avondale Park and Cooper Creek are administered by the City of Denton, Texas. Source: ""Cotinis nitida,"" Wikipedia, description and photographs, accessed 10.17.15, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotinis_nitida"