Pachnoda marginata, often called the sun beetle, is a brightly colored scarab beetle native to tropical Africa. Its bold yellow-and-black patterning makes it a favorite in both educational displays and hobbyist collections. Adults are medium-sized, typically 20–25 mm long, with a rounded, glossy body that gives them a striking appearance against foliage.
 
These beetles are diurnal and highly active, feeding on a wide range of fruits, flowers, and plant matter. In captivity, they thrive on soft fruits such as banana, apple, and melon, making them easy to maintain. Their strong mandibles allow them to break down food quickly, and they are often seen clambering energetically over one another in search of the best morsels.
 
The life cycle of P. marginata includes a larval stage spent burrowing in soil or decaying organic matter. The grubs are robust and feed on decomposing plant material, eventually pupating in earthen chambers before emerging as adults