About Gnorimus variabilis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Gnorimus variabilis, commonly called the variable chafer, is a species of scarab beetle that belongs to the flower chafer subfamily Cetoniinae. Carl Linnaeus first described this species in 1758. It is native to Europe, and is most often found in oak and beech woods or open parkland. As larvae, Gnorimus variabilis develops in wood mold, found in areas like tree trunks or branches. Larval development typically takes around two years, though this timeline can change depending on environmental conditions. Gnorimus variabilis occupies specific local habitats across different European countries. In Southern Europe, it can sometimes be found living in conifers. In the United Kingdom, it is most often associated with old, open-grown Quercus oak trees. In Spain, it occurs in both oak and chestnut forests. In France, larvae develop in the wood mold found inside tree cavities, most often in cavities of Castanea chestnut and Quercus oak trees. In Ukraine, larvae develop in the wood and stumps of Quercus oak, Castanea chestnut, Salix willow, and Alnus alder.
