Pronunciation: [kə͡ʊtˈiːnɪz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "cotinis" is quite straightforward when using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The "c" in "cotinis" is pronounced as a "k" sound. The "o" is pronounced as a short "o" as in "hot," and the "tini/" is pronounced with a long "ee" sound followed by a nasal "n." Finally, the "s" at the end is pronounced with a soft "s" sound. When spelled out phonetically, "cotinis" reads as "koʊ'tiːnɪn."
Cotinis is a genus of beetles belonging to the family Scarabaeidae, specifically in the subfamily Cetoniinae. These beetles are commonly referred to as flower beetles or jewel beetles due to their vibrant and iridescent colors. The word "Cotinis" is derived from the Greek word "koton" meaning tunic or cloak, which likely refers to the hardened elytra (wing cases) that cover and protect their delicate hindwings.
The genus Cotinis is characterized by its medium to large-sized beetles, ranging from 10 to 40 millimeters in length. They have a compact and convex body shape with an oval or elongated outline, typically displaying metallic green, golden, or coppery hues. These striking colors serve as a means of attracting mates, often reflecting sunlight and catching the eye of potential partners.
Cotinis beetles are primarily active during the warmer months and are commonly found in North, Central, and South America. They are known to be attracted to flowers, where they feed on nectar, pollen, and occasionally flower petals. Their feeding habits make them important pollinators for many plant species, facilitating the transfer of pollen between flowers while they forage.
These beetles also undergo a complete metamorphosis, starting as eggs that hatch into larvae known as grubs. The larvae reside in rotting wood or decaying organic matter, where they feed and develop until they pupate and eventually emerge as adults.
Overall, Cotinis beetles are admired for their dazzling appearance and ecological role as pollinators, contributing to the biodiversity and beauty of ecosystems they inhabit.
The word "cotinis" has a rather complex and intriguing etymology. It is derived from Latin, specifically the noun "Cotinus", which referred to a type of shrub or small tree. The Latin word, in turn, can be traced back to the Ancient Greek word "kótyon" (κότυον).
The Greek word "kótyon" originally meant a small, round cup or container used for drinking or pouring liquids. Over time, it began to be used to refer to a small, hollowed-out or concave object in general. This meaning was later extended to certain small, hollowed-out or cup-shaped plants, such as the Cotinus tree or shrub, known for their round clusters of flowers.
