About Dicronorhina derbyana Westwood, 1842
Dicronorhina derbyana is the smallest species in its genus Dicronorhina. Males of this species reach a length of about 40–50 millimetres (1.6–2.0 inches), while females are slightly smaller, reaching about 35–38 millimetres (1.4–1.5 inches) in length. Different subspecies have distinct coloration patterns: the basic body color of Dicronorhina derbyana layardi is usually metallic green with an ochre sheen, with white stripes on the pronotum and elytra. D. d. conradsi has a maroon body with a blue sheen and tan stripes. Dicronorhina derbyana oberthueri is completely metallic, ranging in color from ginger to emerald green. Males have a flat, T-shaped horn on the forehead. The larvae live in soil and feed on decaying vegetable material, while adults feed primarily on tree sap and fruits. A female can lay up to 200 eggs. The full life cycle of Dicronorhina derbyana takes 8–9 months, and adult beetles live for 3–4 months. These attractive beetles are mainly distributed in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
