flower beetle

noun

1. any of numerous, usually brightly colored beetles, as of the families Malachiidae and Dasytidae, that live on flowers and are predaceous on other insects.
2. any of certain scarabaeid beetles of the subfamily Cetoniinae that feed on pollen.

Word History and Origins

Origin of flower beetle¹

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45

Example Sentences

Maharbiz and his team began working with several different beetle species and eventually settled on Mecynorrhina torquata, or the flower beetle.

From Salon

The flower beetle’s transformation began with a quick trip to the freezer.

From Salon

Maharbiz and his team began working with several different beetle species and eventually settled on Mecynorrhina torquata, or the flower beetle.

From The Guardian

The flower beetle's transformation began with a quick trip to the freezer.

From The Guardian