Green June beetle (Cotinis nitida)
Photo: Coveredinsevindust at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Invertebrate · Beetle

Green June beetle care guide

Cotinis nitida

Beginner

The green june beetle is a beginner-level beetle from Eastern United States. Adults reach Body 1.5–2.5 cm and live Adults 1–3 months (1 year from egg) in captivity. Native flower chafer; larvae famously crawl on their backs.

  • Enclosure 30 × 20 × 20 cm
  • Temp 20–27°C
  • Humidity 50–70%

How much does a green june beetle cost in Canada?

Animal$10–30Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$110–180Enclosure $30–60 · equipment $20–40 · bioactive supplies ≈ $70
Yearly upkeep$20–40Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$140–250All prices CAD, estimates

Green June beetle quick facts

Skill level
Beginner
Adult size
Body 1.5–2.5 cm
Lifespan
Adults 1–3 months (1 year from egg)
Activity
Diurnal
Native range
Eastern United States
Minimum enclosure
30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 in, ≈ 3 US gal)
Housing
A colony species – best kept in a group.
Temperature
20–27°C
Humidity
50–70%
UVB
Not needed
Diet
Adults: frugivore – fruit, beetle jelly. Larvae: decaying organic matter
Bioactive style
Invertebrate colony

Green June beetle enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 inches). A colony species – best kept in a group. This species suits a invertebrate colony bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix15 cm

Leaf litter is food here, not decoration – keep a thick layer topped up. Keep one side damper than the other.

Temperature: 20–27°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Not needed.

What does a green june beetle eat?

Adults: frugivore – fruit, beetle jelly. Larvae: decaying organic matter. Give adults ripe fruit every 2–3 days; keep larval substrate rich in decaying leaves and compost.

Handling, temperament & health

Harmless; adults are strong flyers.

Health watch: Mould from old fruit; remove leftovers.

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Nothing needed most days.

Weekly

  • Mist the damp side; add vegetables or protein food in small amounts and remove leftovers after 24–48 h.

Monthly

  • Top up leaf litter and add a calcium source (cuttlebone).
  • Thin out the colony or split it if it gets crowded.

Yearly

  • Replace about a third of the soil, which turns into frass over time.

Recommended for a green june beetle bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 20 × 20 cm).

Green June beetle FAQ

Is the green June beetle good for beginners?

Yes – the green June beetle is a good choice for beginners. Harmless; adults are strong flyers.

What size enclosure does a green June beetle need?

At least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (about 12 × 8 × 8 inches, roughly 3 US gallons) for one adult. A colony species – best kept in a group.

How much does a green June beetle cost in Canada?

Typically $10–30 CAD to buy, about $110–180 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $20–40 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a green June beetle need?

Temperature: 20–27°C. Humidity: 50–70%.

What does a green June beetle eat?

Adults: frugivore – fruit, beetle jelly. Larvae: decaying organic matter. Give adults ripe fruit every 2–3 days; keep larval substrate rich in decaying leaves and compost.

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This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.