Information: Ichnestoma rostrata, is a very rare endemic species of RSA, which was described by Janson in 1878. Large Ichnestoma species, males with elongated clypeus, very good flyers that may remind Scarabeus in flight.
Body length: 16 - 23 mm
Peak activity: December - March (In dependence on the rainy season)
Remarks: Species inhabiting the arid Karoo region. Ichnestoma rostrata occurs only for a very short period of time, after heavy summer rainfall. Individuals of both sexes can be found drowned in pools, rivers, dams and irrigation troughs, presumably they seek moisture when the soil starts drying out.
The adult beetles do not feed at all and live for only a few days. The males fly often low to the ground in search of females, which are completely flightless.
~ Ichnestoma swarming last only a day or two and finding them require having luck! If you miss their short season – you need to wait a whole year before trying again. 
Distribution: Republic South Africa (= Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape)
Zoogeographic region: Afrotropical
Taxonomic classification:
Fruit Chafers of Southern Africa | Holm 1992 The Cetoniinae of Africa | Beinhundner 2017
Material examined (& observation):
Our observation period: December
Sampling Methods: searching in the grassland and low shrub vegetation 
South AfricaFlower Beetles website by Petr Malec
Ichnestoma rostrata
