The giant jewel beetle is a favourite protein-rich insect delicacy in many rural communities of Limpopo Province.#ConservationTuesday
Their lazy nature makes them an easy catch, as they spend
most of their time clinging to thorny bush trees. Adults feed on foliage
(especially of Vachellia, Senegalia trees and Dichrostachys species) as well as
nectar. Larvae are free-living root-feeders. Sternocera orissa displays sexual
reproduction. Adult females are generally bigger than their male counterparts.
Females lay eggs (during mid-December to late January) in bark crevices, and
larvae tunnel into wood and plant stems. At times, eggs are laid into the soils
or dropped onto the ground. Females have a single reproductive cycle annually.
Adults are relatively short-lived, whereas the immature stages can take as long
as 35 years to complete their development.
Giant jewel beetles tend to be social and often
semi-gregarious, occurring in small communities. No direct predators are known
for Sternocera orissa. However, resource competition (i.e. for nectar and
pollen) is common; since Vachellia and/or Senegalia are good pollen species for
other insects (i.e. honey bees). Humans are likely the most important enemy due
to extensive harvesting for consumption. Also, the collection of Vachellia
and/or Senegalia and Dichrostachys trees for fuel wood and pole fencing reduces
habitats and nesting areas for Sternocera orissa.
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