Reptoria

African emerald flower beetle (Chlorocala africana)

African emerald flower beetle (Chlorocala africana), typical appearance of the species

Invertebrates · Difficulty: Beginner

Key facts and care guidance for African emerald flower beetle (Chlorocala africana) (origin: Africa (eastern and Central Africa among others; subspecies such as oertzeni and camerunica)). Adult size around approx. 2.0–2.5 cm. Life expectancy beetle approx. 2–4 months; the whole cycle takes a few months. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

African emerald flower beetle: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From approx. 20×20×20 cm for a small group (with climbing branches and bark).

African emerald flower beetle: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–25 °C, at night 18–20 °C (never below 18 °C).

African emerald flower beetle: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

African emerald flower beetle: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: beetle approx. 2–4 months; the whole cycle takes a few months.

African emerald flower beetle: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature
20–25 °C
Night temperature
18–20 °C (never below 18 °C)
Basking spot
—
Humidity
60–70 % (substrate damp, not wet)
UVB
No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size
from approx. 20×20×20 cm for a small group (with climbing branches and bark)
Substrate
About 10 cm: potting or terrarium soil with plenty of leaf litter and sawdust (NO conifer), white-rotted deciduous wood; neither dry nor wet

Feeding

Food
Beetles: overripe fruit (banana), beetle jelly; larvae: leaf litter and hardwood sawdust or substrate
Feeding interval
beetles: fruit or jelly 2–3×/week; the larvae feed continuously from the substrate

Key facts

Adult size
approx. 2.0–2.5 cm
Life expectancy
beetle approx. 2–4 months; the whole cycle takes a few months
Origin
Africa (eastern and Central Africa among others; subspecies such as oertzeni and camerunica)
Protection status
No CITES, no special protection; no registration duty
Brumation
None (kept at an even temperature)
Cohabitation
Group housing works well for this species – beetles and larvae live together without issue given enough food, space and hiding places. A typical group/rose-chafer species.

Notes

An easy-care flower beetle species, similar to Pachnoda. Important: no conifer sawdust (harmful to the larvae), and never let the substrate dry out completely. Diurnal and able to fly – a lid is needed.

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Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep African emerald flower beetle (Chlorocala africana) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from approx. 20×20×20 cm for a small group (with climbing branches and bark)), substrate (About 10 cm: potting or terrarium soil with plenty of leaf litter and sawdust (NO conifer), white-rotted deciduous wood; neither dry nor wet), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.

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Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorocala_africana, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorocala

All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).