
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Taurhina polychrous
An east African flower beetle with a glossy black pronotum and coppery elytra washed with purple iridescence. Colour differs between subspecies. In Japan it circulates mainly as set specimens and husbandry information is thin.
Neptunides polychromus was described by Thomson in 1879 and is an east African flower beetle; GBIF holds most records from Tanzania (40) and Malawi (14). A Natural History Museum specimen from the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania, labelled marginipennis, has a glossy black pronotum, coppery elytra washed with purple iridescence and metallic blue-green legs. Besides marginipennis, subspecies such as fasciicollis and manowensis have been described. Its placement is not settled: the GBIF backbone treats this name as a synonym and accepts Taurhina polychrous instead, and Neptunides is also treated as a subgenus of Taurhina, the spelling Taurrhina being an unjustified emendation made by Kraatz in 1890. Records of keeping or breeding this beetle are scarce, and in Japan it circulates mainly as set specimens.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Neptunides Flower Beetle lives Adults 1-2 years.
Origin
East Africa (Tanzania, Malawi, Uganda)
Lifespan
Adults 1-2 years
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Adults take fruit and beetle jelly; larvae feed on rotten wood and leaf litter
Sources: Taurhina - Wikipedia (EN; Neptunides treated as a subgenus, Taurrhina an unjustified emendation) / GBIF species page for Neptunides polychrous Thomson, 1879 (accepted as Taurhina polychrous) / GBIF occurrence records for Neptunides polychrous (counts by country) / Wikimedia Commons - Neptunides polychrous marginipennis Moser, 1904 (Natural History Museum specimen from the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania; coloration)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Accepted name: Taurhina polychrous Thomson, 1879
Synonyms: Neptunides polychrous Thomson, 1879, Taurhina polychrous (Thomson, 1879), Neptunides polychromus
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Plant Protection Act: When importing live specimens of Scarabaeoidea (including rhinoceros beetles, stag beetles, flower beetles, etc.), a species identification certificate issued by the exporting country government agency or equivalent must be attached in accordance with the Invasive Species Act (import ports are limited to Narita, Chubu, Kansai, Fukuoka, and Kagoshima airports). This species itself is not a designated invasive species, and import is possible upon submission of the certificate.
Sources: Ministry of the Environment, Invasive Species Act: "Guidance for Those Importing Live Insects in Scarabaeoidea" / CITES Appendix (checklist.cites.org)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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It occurs in the montane forests of east Africa and may prefer cooler conditions than lowland tropical species, so avoid keeping it hot.
Breeding records for this species are few, so follow the usual method for flower beetles: eggs are laid into a mix of rotten wood and leaves and the larvae raised in the same medium. Clutch size and larval period are not yet known for this beetle.
Adult males fight, so keep them apart except for pairing. Cannibalism has not been reported in the larvae of this species, but individual containers are the safer choice.
Captive records are limited, so plan larval period and adult lifespan on the usual pattern for flower beetles.
Because the name is unsettled, specimens or live stock labelled Neptunides and Taurhina may refer to the same beetle. Importing live stock requires the species identification certificate demanded for Scarabaeoidea. Several subspecies exist, so do not cross beetles from different localities.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Neptunides Flower Beetle is Adults 1-2 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Neptunides Flower Beetle feeds on: Adults take fruit and beetle jelly; larvae feed on rotten wood and leaf litter. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Neptunides Flower Beetle varies significantly depending on bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026