African Woolly Chafers: these beetles have a uniquely "fluffy" appearance, thanks to the long, fur-like setae that covers their bodies
Beetles of the genus Sparrmannia are widely distributed throughout the arid regions of southern Africa. They have very distinctive features, with large, plump bodies and tawny-colored "fur," and some species can measure up to 25mm (nearly 1 inch) long.
They generally hide in underground burrows during the day, and emerge only at night, when the desert is substantially cooler. The dense layer of "fur" acts as insulation, which allows the beetles to remain active at night, even when the temperatures plummet.
The Coleopterists Bulletin: Biology of Sparrmannia flava
The Book of Beetles: Sparrmannia
Eyewitness Travel Guide to South Africa: Sparrmannia flava
Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa: Revision of the Genus Sparrmannia
Descriptive Catalogue of the Coleoptera of South Africa: Genus Sparrmannia
Excerpts from the Book Pollinators, Predators, and Parasites: Temperature Control in Sparrmannia flava and Dung Feeding in Woolly Chafer Beetle Larvae