Jewel Beetle: Acmaeodera gibbula
Are They Poisonous?
There is no concrete evidence to suggest that jewel beetles are toxic to humans or animals.
However, as they can be pests, it’s vital to be cautious. When these beetles infest trees, they can cause damage and may require intervention with pesticides.
In such cases, potential dangers could arise from:
- Pesticides used to control the beetles: Some chemicals can harm humans, animals, or other insects if ingested or contacted. Contacting a professional pest control company could be the best option click here to find one.
- Tree health: Extensive damage from an infestation might weaken the tree, posing potential risks like fallen branches.
While the absence of toxicity in jewel beetles is a relief, keep in mind the possible dangers related to their control measures.
Always consult a professional or follow proper guidelines while dealing with pesticides.
Species and Classification of Jewel Beetle
Jewel beetles, belonging to the family Buprestidae, are a diverse group of insects in the order Coleoptera.
They are part of the larger class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, and kingdom Animalia. Here’s a brief overview of their classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Family: Buprestidae
This family includes several subfamilies, each with its own unique characteristics:
- Agrilinae
- Buprestinae
- Chrysochroinae
- Galbellinae
- Julodinae
- Polycestinae
These subfamilies contain a variety of species that differ in size, color, and habitat.
Comparison Table: Subfamilies
| Subfamily | Notable Feature |
|---|---|
| Agrilinae | Typically small and elongated |
| Buprestinae | Bright metallic colors |
| Chrysochroinae | Diverse body shapes and colors |
| Galbellinae | Compact and rounded |
| Julodinae | Large with curved horns |
| Polycestinae | Strongly sculptured and spiny |
Jewel beetles are known for their:
- Iridescent and metallic colors
- Bullet-shaped bodies
- Hard exoskeletons
These features make them attractive to collectors and researchers alike.
Treasured for their beauty, these beetles aren’t considered poisonous to humans or pets, making them a fascinating subject in the world of entomology.
Appearance and Iridescence
Jewel beetles, known for their stunning appearance, exhibit a wide range of colors, including green, black, gold, yellow, blue, and orange.
Their iridescent wings create a glossy effect, enhancing their visual appeal.
These beetles owe their iridescence to their elytra, which are hardened forewings that protect their delicate hind wings.
The elytra’s microscopic structures reflect light in various ways, producing the vibrant colors.
Key Features:
- Iridescent wings
- Glossy appearance
- Variety of colors
Jewel beetles have a head, thorax, and elytra that contribute to their unique patterns. The size of these beetles can vary; however, they’re typically small, measuring between 3-80 mm.
When talking about the appearance of jewel beetles, it’s necessary to consider the pros and cons of their iridescence:
Pros:
- Aesthetic appeal
- Camouflage in certain habitats
Cons:
- Attracts predators in some environments
Therefore, jewel beetles are fascinating creatures, boasting a variety of vibrant colors and iridescent wings.
Their glossy appearance and distinct patterns make them an attractive subject of study for entomologists and nature enthusiasts alike.
Diet and Predators
Jewel beetles, belonging to the family Buprestidae, have a diverse diet primarily consisting of leaves, stems, and flowers. They are not considered poisonous for humans or animals.
Here is a brief overview of their diet and predators:
- Diet: Jewel beetle larvae mostly feed on the wood of trees, whereas adults consume leaves, stems, and flowers of plants. They are also known to consume nectar from flowers, contributing to pollination.
- Predators: Potential predators of jewel beetles include birds, spiders, and other insects such as mantises and ants. Humans, in some parts of the world, also consume jewel beetles as a food source.
Range and Environment
Jewel beetles are found in various environments, from forests to grasslands. They are distributed worldwide, except in Antarctica and some oceanic islands.
Their life cycle mainly revolves around trees, where they lay eggs and consume tree parts.
Jewel Beetles vs. Lady Beetles
| Feature | Jewel Beetles | Lady Beetles (Ladybugs) |
|---|---|---|
| Diet | Larvae: wood, Adults: leaves, stems, flowers, nectar | Larvae and adults: aphids, mites, and other small insects |
| Color | Metallic and bright colors | Red or orange with black spots |
| Size | 3-100 mm (varies by species) | 1-10 mm |
| Poisonous | No | No, but some species release a toxic substance |
While jewel beetles are not poisonous, their bright and metallic colors might serve as a deterrent to potential predators in the animal kingdom.
This adaptation helps them survive in their environment and continue their role as important pollinators.
Habitat and Distribution
Jewel beetles are found in various habitats across the globe. Some common regions include Australia, North America, and New Guinea.
Here are some key features of their habitats:
- Rainforests
- Foliage
- Woodlands
Jewel beetles can also be wood-boring, especially during their larval stage. This behavior affects the types of habitats they inhabit, often in regions with available wooden plants.
While jewel beetles constitute a diverse group, some infamous species make headlines for their destructive nature.
The emerald ash borer, for example, is well-known in North America for decimating ash tree populations.
Scientists have discovered a variety of jewel beetles in specific habitats such as Australia and New Guinea, where they thrive in rainforest environments.
These beetles can be found on the foliage of various plants, providing unique opportunities for observation and research.
Jewel beetle habitats
| Region | Habitat | Example Species |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Rainforest | Stigmodera gratiosa |
| North America | Forests | Emerald ash borer |
| New Guinea | Rainforest | Lamprima aurata |
Camouflage and Defense Mechanisms
Jewel beetles are known for their iridescent, metallic colors, which serve as a form of camouflage.
These beetles are found in various environments, such as forests and gardens. They use their vibrant colors to blend in with their surroundings and avoid predators.
One example of camouflage in jewel beetles is their ability to resemble shiny, wet leaves in a forest.
Their shiny appearance mimics the sunlight reflecting off the leaves, making them less noticeable to potential predators.
Jewel beetles have other defense mechanisms, such as releasing noxious chemicals from their legs when threatened.
These chemicals deter predators and give the beetles an opportunity to escape.
Comparing jewel beetles to other insects like scarab beetles reveals some similarities and differences in their defense mechanisms:
| Insect | Camouflage | Defense Mechanisms |
|---|---|---|
| Jewel Beetle | Shiny, iridescent color | Noxious chemicals |
| Scarab | Varies by species | Horns, tough exoskeleton |
Key features of jewel beetles include:
Jewel beetles share some characteristics with other beetles like scarabs, such as being part of the Animalia kingdom, belonging to the class Insecta, and demonstrating conspicuous behaviors when threatened.
These behaviors include quick movements and loud buzzing sounds, alerting predators that they should keep a distance.
Related Beetles and Species
Blister beetles
Blister beetles are known for their defensive secretion called cantharidin, a toxic substance that can cause blisters and irritation on the skin.
Some examples of blister beetles include the Spanish fly and the oil beetle.
Ground beetles
Ground beetles are a large group of carnivorous beetles that typically prey on small insects and other arthropods. They are not typically known to be poisonous.
Some examples include the bombardier beetle and the violet ground beetle.
Scarab beetles
Scarab beetles belong to the family Scarabaeidae and include well-known species like dung beetles and June beetles. These beetles are not considered poisonous to humans.
Weevils
Weevils are part of the superfamily Curculionoidea with over 60,000 species. They are plant-eating beetles and are not poisonous to humans. Some examples include the boll weevil and the rice weevil.
Polyphaga
Polyphaga is the largest suborder of beetles, including over 300,000 described species. It contains groups such as blister beetles, ground beetles, and scarab beetles.
Buprestoidea
Buprestoidea is a superfamily of beetles which includes the jewel beetles. These beetles are not known to be poisonous, but their bright and metallic appearance makes them popular among collectors.
Comparison table of beetle species
| Beetle Group | Poisonous | Example Species |
|---|---|---|
| Blister Beetles | Yes | Spanish Fly |
| Ground Beetles | No | Bombardier Beetle |
| Scarab Beetles | No | Dung Beetle |
| Weevils | No | Boll Weevil |
Jewel Beetles in Research
Jewel beetles, known for their stunning appearance, are a subject of interest to researchers.
Adult jewel beetles have bright, metallic colors that make them stand out, while their larvae, on the other hand, are less conspicuous, often found inside wood.
In recent years, scientists at the University of Bristol, including Karin Kjernsmo, have studied the unique characteristics of peacock feathers and jewel beetles.
Their research uncovered inconsistencies in features, such as depth and iridescence, that help camouflage the beetles at night.
Key features of jewel beetles include:
- Bright, metallic colors on adult beetles
- Larvae found inside wood
- Iridescence and depth inconsistencies
Visibility of jewel beetles in different settings
| Setting | Beetle’s Visibility |
|---|---|
| Daylight | Highly visible |
| Nighttime | Camouflaged |
In the United States, some people experiment with feeding jewel beetle larvae, also known as mealworms, to birds and reptiles.
This practice, although uncommon, contributes to the growing trend of using insects as protein sources in animal feed.
Examples of insects used as animal feed:
- Mealworms (jewel beetle larvae)
- Crickets
- Black soldier fly larvae
Researchers are intrigued by the appearance and properties of jewel beetles, particularly their unique camouflage mechanisms at night.
These beetles, along with other insects, also serve as a potential and sustainable alternative protein source in animal feed.
Conclusion
Despite their visually striking attributes, jewel beetles are not poisonous to humans.
While their infestations can necessitate caution due to potential tree damage and pesticide usage, the absence of proven toxicity underscores the importance of ongoing research.
The enthralling appearance and distinct behaviors of these beetles continue to offer intriguing avenues for scientific exploration and understanding.
29 Comments. Leave new
This is a nice shot of Diadoxus regia (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), previously known as Diadoxus scalaris. There is much published information on this and its related species, Diadoxus erythrurus. Please search under Diadoxus at my website http://www.calodema.com for relevant research papers and illustrations.
Best regards, Trevor
This would be in the genus Judolis.
Thanks so much for this and your other Buprestidae identifications. I will try to find links for them on the internet.
This is almost definitely Strigoptera, probably a male.
Hi all,
Sorry about my web pages no longer being available. I took them down was some of the info was no longer applicable and I meant to replace them, but never got around to it. However, I still hope to replace them some day, but not likely until after I retire in a few years time (it is June 2011 as I write this). Too much else on my plate in the meantime! Also, I have only just come across this site again after some time since I last visited it, and I was humbled by the kind words said about my old site. I still have copies of all my web pages saved on my hard drives.
Anyway, the pictured beetle is Temognatha vitticollis and the Forbes locality for the specimen, I asume, is an excellent locality record. The species is knwon to occur in surviving bushland areas in inland NSW and inland southern QLD. It is a species I would like to get ahold a few more specimens of if anyone has any to spare, dead or alive. Live specimens are more useful for DNA studies, but dead specimens, if properly dried, are also very useful. Specimens of any other Buprestidae specimens that anyone may come across would also be useful. The more localities, the better. I also have interests in other beetle families, such as Cerambycidae, Cetonidae and Carabidae, and may be able to help with ID’s.
Though similar in appearance (as is also Temognatha fallasciosa, for example), Temognatha westwoodi is narrower in width, has different aedegaus (genitalia), is a deeper reddish colour in life, and only occurs in southern Western Australia.
My research on the spatial and temporal distributions, regional diversity, adult host plants, adult emergence triggers, etc, mainly of Australian Buprestidae, has been ongoing since circa 1980 and is an ongoing lifelong project. I hope to begin publishing papers after I retire.
Incidentally I took my wife and my sister-in-law to Forbes a few years ago and was pleasantly surprised at how nice a town it is. We stayed in a cabin at a caravan park near the river, the one with all the trees.
Cheers to all,
Allen Sundholm
Dear Allen,
Thanks for providing a correct species identification. It is sad when dependable internet resources vanish from the public airways.
Hi Jess & Bugman!
The species in this pic is a female of Temognatha conspicillata, which is one of the larger species of Buprestidae endemic to the south-west of Western Australia.
The Perth record is of interest as there are relatively few records of this species from around Perth compared to records of this species from further inland in WA.
Cheers!
Allen Sundholm
Hi again Allen,
We are thrilled that you have some time to devote to identifications of some of our Australian Buprestids.
What a beauty!
Hi Daniel,
I’m pretty sure that this is a Buprestid, rather than a Cerambycid.
Best,
Dave
Thanks for the correction Dave. That was our carelessness.
‘Virtual Beetles’ has a very good collection of buprestids, too – http://www.virtual-beetles.com/indexb.html
Thanks for the link.
Hi Tom and Sue,
The ‘Western Glossy Stag Beetle’ (which is just someone’s ‘common name’ and is thus not a scientific name) is a female of Lamprima micardi Reiche, 1841, endemic to the SW of WA,. The males are a tad larger and possess larger mandibles.
The other specimen is the jewel beetle (i.e. in the Coleoptera family Buprestidae) Castiarina amabilis (Gory & Laporte, 1838), also endemic to the SW of WA.
As with many Australian species of Buprestidae, Castiarina amabilis appears to be highly seasonal. i.e. emerges as adults, commonly so, only in certain seasons (i.e. in certain years). Though I have spent many years travelling parts of Australia in the search for Buprestidae as part of my lifelong survey effort (conducted under appropriate scientific licences where required), I have yet to personally find this species, and so that I can photograph this species alive. Well, maybe one day someone will find live specimens of it and send it to me!
Neither species is rare in what’s left of the fast-disappearing habitats of the SW of WA largely thanks to housing developments especially in what little is left of the once-extensive and incredibly ecologically diverse and unique Swan Coastal Plains habitats (same goes for most of the habitats in the SW of WA, actually!), and ongoing broadacre clearing.
Cheers,
Allen Sundholm
Thanks for this wealth of information Allen.
Hi Tom and Sue,
The ‘Western Glossy Stag Beetle’ (which is just someone’s ‘common name’ and is thus not a scientific name) is a female of Lamprima micardi Reiche, 1841, endemic to the SW of WA,. The males are a tad larger and possess larger mandibles.
The other specimen is the jewel beetle (i.e. in the Coleoptera family Buprestidae) Castiarina amabilis (Gory & Laporte, 1838), also endemic to the SW of WA.
As with many Australian species of Buprestidae, Castiarina amabilis appears to be highly seasonal. i.e. emerges as adults, commonly so, only in certain seasons (i.e. in certain years). Though I have spent many years travelling parts of Australia in the search for Buprestidae as part of my lifelong survey effort (conducted under appropriate scientific licences where required), I have yet to personally find this species, and so that I can photograph this species alive. Well, maybe one day someone will find live specimens of it and send it to me!
Neither species is rare in what’s left of the fast-disappearing habitats of the SW of WA largely thanks to housing developments especially in what little is left of the once-extensive and incredibly ecologically diverse and unique Swan Coastal Plains habitats (same goes for most of the habitats in the SW of WA, actually!), and ongoing broadacre clearing.
Cheers,
Allen Sundholm
I found on today in the Area of Banjup In perths metro south =) was sooooo pretty. I took photos too! I feel so proud to of seen it x
Hi there, thanks for having this wonderful site with great insect photos. I’ve found my jewel beetle here, the same as in the photo. From reading comment by Allen Sundholm I believe it is Temognatha vitticolis. I found it in my local parkland in Corryswood, Thurgoona (near Albury, NSW), in white box woodland.
I have a fresh specimen if it is wanted for a collection, but would need advice on how to preserve the specimen.
Kind regards
Gill
Hi Gill, very sorry for the delay in replying! I did not receive anything from this site to tell me you had replied, I probably forgot to check the ‘notify me’ box. I am now retired, but everything else I mentioned above pretty much still applies, except that there has been an easterly range extension of Temognatha westwoodi into the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. Please drop me line to my email address entom2@optusnet.com.au if you are still interested in supporting my research. All the best, Allen Michael Sundholm OAM
Do these beetles bite humans if handled?
They do not bite for food. Eric Eaton once informed us “if it has a mouth, it can bite” but Jewel Beetles don’t pose a threat to humans.
Soy de Parral, Chihuahua México y encontré uno de esos escarabajos; con la luz artificial brilla, pareciera que tuviera polvo de oro. Como podría enviarles una foto?
You may submit images by using the Ask WTB? link on our site.
Perhaps another Buprestid for your archives: Lampetis webbii. Photographed on Mount Ord,a couple of miles east of SR87
Don’t see a place to submit an image
You may submit images by using the Ask WTB? link on our site.
This is actually Diadoxus erythrurus.
Thanks for this correction. We are currently catching up on unapproved comments.
Hi Gill, very sorry for the delay in replying! I did not receive anything from this site to tell me you had replied, I probably forgot to check the ‘notify me’ box. I am now retired, but everything else I mentioned above pretty much still applies, except that there has been an easterly range extension of Temognatha westwoodi into the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. Please drop me line to my email address entom2@optusnet.com.au if you are still interested in supporting my research. All the best, Allen Michael Sundholm OAM
Hi, I can now also be contacted via Facebook Messenger. I also am on Facebook, and created several Facebook groups to do with aussie beetles, butterflies and moths. All the best, Allen