Oxythyrea
Scientific name: Oxythyrea
Oxythyrea
Scientific name: Oxythyrea
Photo By Hans Hillewaert , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original Description
Oxythyrea is a charming genus of beetles often found pirouetting on flower heads during warm, sunny days. These beetles not only contribute to pollination but also intrigue scientists due to their unique adult and larval diet of decaying organic material and plant debris. A common misconception is that all beetles are destructive to crops, but many, including Oxythyrea, play crucial roles in our ecosystem by facilitating decomposition and aiding in nutrient cycling.