Protaetia cuprea looks very similar to Cetonia aurata, but it has 'whitish knee-patches'. The best distinguishing feature can be seen on the underparts of the beetle: the mesosternal extension between the thighs is falttened (Protaetia), where Cetonia aurata has a spherical mesosternal extension.

Unlike most of its congeners, the larvae of Protaetia cuprea do not develop in decaying wood in tree cavities, but survives as a host in the nests of Red Wood Ants (Formica rufa).