Rose chafers of the genus Cetonia are medium-sized beetles with an average length of about 2 cm with a broad, oval-shaped body. Their body and elytra (wing covers), which are the hardened first pair of wings, are uniformly metallic green but can also appear in shades of brown, gold, or red. The elytra often have small bright spots. The metallic sheen is caused by microscopic surface structures that reflect light. The elytra may be smooth or have longitudinal ridges. The scutellum (shield) in the shape of a V is clearly visible between the elytra. The antennae are fan-shaped, with three short lamellae at the tips. The legs are somewhat flattened, and the outer edges of the tibiae (fourth segment of the legs) have short spines. These beetles are good fliers and have a membranous second pairs of wings.

They are distributed throughout Europe and as far as Central Asia, inhabiting open landscapes in zones of mixed and deciduous forests. Their larvae primarily feed on decaying wood but can also be found in moist humus and compost. Their developmental cycle lasts one to two years. Adult beetles emerge from pupae in the soil in May and fly until September. They feed on flowers (pollen, nectar and petals), particularly on large flat flowers or flower clusters, such as those found in various members of the rose and carrot families. They, less commonly, feed by licking sap from damaged trunks and branches of deciduous trees.