Metallic bugs are a fascinating group of insects that display a unique, shiny appearance. Their distinct coloration and iridescence set them apart from other insects and can often leave people in awe. There are a variety of reasons why some insects have these metallic features, ranging from camouflage to communication.
One reason some insects evolved to have a metallic look is for the purpose of defense and survival. The reflective and shimmering surfaces can make it difficult for predators to single out these insects amongst their surroundings. The metallic woodboring beetle, for example, has a brilliant metallic coloration which helps it blend into its environment when resting on tree bark.
Additionally, the iridescence in metallic bugs can also serve as a form of communication and mate attraction. With their stunning and unique appearances, they can signal to potential partners and convey important information. These metallic features have helped shape the success and adaptation of these insects into their respective environments for millions of years.
Why Do Some Insects Look Metallic
Science Behind Insect Coloration
Insects display an array of colors due to the interaction of light with their exoskeletons. Structural pigments play a significant role in creating metallic appearances, including:
- Iridescence
- Brilliant greens and blues
- Eye-catching reflections
Metallic effects are caused by microscopic structures rather than actual pigments, creating vibrant and shimmering colors.
Role of Chitin and Exoskeleton
The exoskeleton of insects contains chitin, which forms complex structures that refract light. Factors contributing to metallic appearances include:
- Chitin layers
- Reflective properties
- Light interference
Examples of metallic insects are metallic wood-boring beetles exhibiting vibrant green and blue colors due to their chitin-rich exoskeletons.
Comparison Table
| Insect Feature | Metallic Appearance | Non-metallic Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Chitin Layer | Complex, causes light interference | Simple, less reflective |
| Exoskeleton | Highly reflective, shimmering | Dull, less reflective |
| Colors | Iridescent, vibrant | Muted, less prominent |
In summary, insects exhibit metallic colors due to the interaction of light with their chitin-rich exoskeletons and the formation of iridescent pigments through microscopic structural elements. This phenomenon adds a captivating dimension to the diverse world of insects.
Iridescence
Examples of Metallic Insects
Jewel Beetles
Jewel beetles are a family of beetles known for their metallic coloration. They earn their name from the iridescent, gem-like appearance of their exoskeletons. One example is the Chalcophora virginiensis, common in pine trees.
Features of Jewel Beetles:
- Iridescent, metallic coloration
- Attractive gem-like appearance
Metallic Bees
Metallic bees include species that exhibit a shiny, metallic appearance. These bees are often found with a green or blue sheen, making them visually striking and easily recognizable.
Characteristics of Metallic Bees:
- Shiny metallic appearance
- Green or blue sheen
Moths
Some moths are also known to have a metallic appearance, such as the spotted lanternfly. These insects are not typically as colorful as jewel beetles or metallic bees, but they can still be easily identified by their unique patterns and coating.
Examples of Metallic Moths:
- Spotted lanternfly
| Jewel Beetles | Metallic Bees | Moths | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Iridescent, gem-like | Shiny, metallic | Unique patterns |
| Unique | Metallic coloration body | Green or blue sheen | Spotted lanternfly |
Adaptive Advantages of Metallic Colors
Camouflage and Predators
Some insects, like the green metallic sweat bee, have evolved metallic colors as a form of camouflage. This helps them blend in with their surroundings and avoid predators. The metallic sheen also creates a confusing visual effect for predators, making it difficult for them to pinpoint the insect’s exact location.
Mating Signals
Metallic colors can also aid in mating, as they serve as a unique visual signal. Insects may display shiny colors to attract potential mates, similar to how other animals like birds use their bright plumage. For example, some beetles use their metallic appearance to draw attention to themselves among other individuals during courtship.
Energy Conservation
Insects with metallic colors may also benefit from energy conservation. These colors can help insects manage their body temperature by reflecting sunlight and reducing heat absorption. As a result, they may spend less energy on regulating their temperature and have more energy for other activities, such as foraging or reproduction.
Key features of metallic colors in insects:
- Camouflage
- Predator evasion
- Mating signal
- Energy conservation
Comparison table:
| Attribute | Camouflage & Predators | Mating Signals | Energy Conservation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Benefit | Hide from predators | Attract mates | Regulate temperature |
| Primary Function | Blend into surroundings | Display unique color | Reflect sunlight |
| Examples | Green metallic sweat bee | Metallic beetles | Metallic butterflies |
By understanding the adaptive advantages of metallic colors in insects, we can appreciate the role these features play in their biology and evolution.
Applications in Technology
Lessons from Nature
Metallic-looking insects have unique carapaces that reflect light differently. These carapaces manipulate wavelengths of light, causing the stunning metallic appearance. Key features include:
- Reflection of light
- Interference with light wavelengths
Scientists are studying these characteristics for inspiration in technology development.
Innovations Inspired by Insects
Lenses
Carapaces found in metallic bugs have inspired the creation of more efficient lenses. These lenses exhibit:
- Improved light reflection
- Enhanced light transmission
Innovative lenses can be utilized in optical devices, enhancing their performance.
DVD Technology
Metallic bugs have also had an impact on DVD technology. Their carapaces’ interference with light wavelengths led to the development of:
- Multi-layered DVDs
- Increased storage capacity
Comparing standard and improved DVDs:
| Aspect | Standard DVD | Improved DVD |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | 4.7 GB | Up to 17 GB |
| Layers | Single | Multi-layered |
These advancements illustrate how nature’s beauty can lead to practical technological improvements.
I
50 Comments. Leave new
This little beetle is the member of Mordellidae. Species is Hoshihananomia octopunctata
Hi Mardikavana,
Thanks so much for correcting our egregious error.
Could it be Pseudogaurotina cressoni?
Found on BugGuide…
Beautiful pictures and specimen!
Thanks voltron7. We have gotten a second opinion and we have posted the correct identity. Thanks so much for your assistance.
I’m glad to read that you see that it is a longhorn despite this creature’s unusual appearance. Those kind of antennae are unique to cerambycidae. This is Gaurotes cyanipennis. Imagos are found mainly on flowers.
Thanks so much mardikavana. Getting a compliment from you just made our day. We will now link to additional information on this gorgeous specimen.
I was wrong. The legs are different. This is Pseudogaurotina cressoni.
The Correction is now made. Thanks again.
Dear Bugman,
Sorry, but I must disagree mardikavana.
I still think Curious Mom’s images look different than the Gaurotes cyanipennis and still think it looks more like Pseudogaurotina cressoni. The legs are 2 toned black and orange and the antennae are black. The Pseudogaurotina cressoni images show all orange legs and orange antennae, too. Actually, I can’t find an image of Gaurotes that matches the submitted images.
http://bugguide.net/node/view/302410/bgimage
I’m now rather curios. What is the main difference between genus gaurotes and Pseudogaurotina? As I see they were in the same genus some time ago. Could you please ask Eric Eaton.
Beautiful metallic green and orange
Location: Bilston, West midlands, UK
20th May 2012
Dear bugman,
I was in my in-laws garden yesterday afternoon and sw this bug on a nettle. Have never seen anything like this before and it was the same size as a ladybird. I was wondering if you knew what this bug is and what you know about it.
Thank you
net
It is not Pseudogaurotina cressoni. Please use our form and attach a photo.
http://www.whatsthatbug.com/ask-whats-that-bug/
Hi,
I am currently in Florida, and yesterday I found this exact same guy. Using BugGuide I found out it was this guy: Chrysobothris chrysoela.
You can tell by the colorful indented spots and the jointed spots (or some cases separated spots) at the end of the elytra.
Cheers!
Andre
Hi Andre,
Thanks so much for providing an identification for Chrysobothris chrysoela. We would love to post your photos as well is you submit them using out standard form: http://www.whatsthatbug.com/ask-whats-that-bug/
Hi,
I am currently in Florida, and yesterday I found this exact same guy. Using BugGuide I found out it was this guy: Chrysobothris chrysoela.
You can tell by the colorful indented spots and the jointed spots (or some cases separated spots) at the end of the elytra.
Cheers!
Andre
Completely wrong with the id. This is clearly Halmus chalybeus, which has been introduced to HI and NZ via Australia. Close, but no cigar. Please let me know if you have any further IDs before just spuriously IDing wrong species.
Thank you for the correction on this Luc. We have no entomologists on our staff. Our mission is to relay an appreciation of the lower beasts to readers who are not members of the scientific community. We try to the best of our ability to identify the diverse and divergent creatures that come to us from all parts of the world. No doubt we have countless misidentified or unidentified creatures on our site, but the beauty of the internet is that we do not have to wait for a new edition to come out in print to make corrections. Expert input like yours can result in instant gratification for corrections. Alas, it may take us some time to track down Dasi who submitted the original photo.
I dunno…
Looks exactly like Curinus coeruleus.
Thanks Cesar. We feel the same way, and though we have written back to Luc the University of Hawaii INsect Museum, he has ignored our request for additional information.
I dunno…
Looks exactly like Curinus coeruleus.
This PDF says that C. coeruleus was introduced in Hawaii: http://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/bitstream/handle/10125/210/14_yang.pdf?sequence=1
Curiously, I came to this post because I recieved a very simmilar chrysomelid:
http://www.insetologia.com.br/2013/04/besouros-crisomelideos-em-sao-paulo.html
Thanks Cesar.
This PDF says that C. coeruleus was introduced in Hawaii: http://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/bitstream/handle/10125/210/14_yang.pdf?sequence=1
Curiously, I came to this post because I recieved a very simmilar chrysomelid:
http://www.insetologia.com.br/2013/04/besouros-crisomelideos-em-sao-paulo.html
love it!!!
We have a beetle like this in our carport. He is missing a hind leg. He kept going to our dog water bucket, so I filled a bottle cap with water and he drank it, but I don’t know what they eat. He is not looking too good today. Can you advise me what to do for him?
BugGuide does not provide any information on the diet of the adults. Try ripe bananas.
We have recently found: in between patio stones, volcano like small hills (1 inch) with circular holes (3) at the top from which bright green, small wasp/bee like critters fly into and out of the holes regularly during the day. I have just noticed that at dusk, the holes are filled with very small balls (pin head size) of earth. These insects do not make any discernible noise when flying.
They also poke their heads out of the holes and wait before flying out.
After a heavy rain, the top of the volcano like structure was able to be moved with a stick and was found to be a very hard chunk of earth which held together in one piece. The insects had created new ‘volcanoes’ by the end of the next day.
The nighttime covering of the holes is fascinating. Any information would be wonderful.
We are in Toronto Ontario. Thank you.
We have recently found: in between patio stones, volcano like small hills (1 inch) with circular holes (3) at the top from which bright green, small wasp/bee like critters fly into and out of the holes regularly during the day. I have just noticed that at dusk, the holes are filled with very small balls (pin head size) of earth. These insects do not make any discernible noise when flying.
They also poke their heads out of the holes and wait before flying out.
After a heavy rain, the top of the volcano like structure was able to be moved with a stick and was found to be a very hard chunk of earth which held together in one piece. The insects had created new ‘volcanoes’ by the end of the next day.
The nighttime covering of the holes is fascinating. Any information would be wonderful.
We are in Toronto Ontario. Thank you.
Im in Southern CA, high desert region and I have quite a few of these in my squash right now. I accidentally disturbed their nest while weeding and was bit. A very mild bite. Slight swelling and a red calf that only lasted a few hours. I’m noticing that they are most active at dawn and dusk before it heats up.
“This is clearly Halmus chalybeus”
I think you are wrong, unlike the Halmus Chalybeus this one’s shell is not as vibrant, the eyes are bright with orange, and the shell does not flare at the edges. I vote Curinus Coeruleus.
Thanks for your input. You may be correct. We have been wrong in the past and we expect we will continue to make errors in the future as well. We never received additional input from Luc who disagreed with our original identification. Additional research into Luc’s credentials proved to be a dead end.
“This is clearly Halmus chalybeus”
I think you are wrong, unlike the Halmus Chalybeus this one’s shell is not as vibrant, the eyes are bright with orange, and the shell does not flare at the edges. I vote Curinus Coeruleus.
is it poisonous
one bit me
no
Ha! I think Luc deserves a nasty reader (commenter) award and to be fired as this is clearly a Metallic Blue lady bug which were introduced to Hawaii as Integrated Pest Management.
While it does appear that males of the Steel Blue variety have a lighter orange dot on each side of their head it’s different (Metallic Blue has a narrower center black space) and they also seem to be much greener or at least more blue and ironically more metallic than the Metallic Blue, not to mention that cute little flare on the edges which the metallic blue does not have and a dimpling/netting effect on the shell.
http://naturewatch.org.nz/taxa/steelblue_ladybird
Whereas this is a misidentified metallic blue which should be a steel blue (male).
http://www.feathersandphotos.com.au/forum/showthread.php?7473-Metallic-Blue-Ladybird
So, pat on the back! You did well in your ID here Bugman. :^)
Thanks for your support Curious Girl. We also thought Luc’s comment was a bit snarky, but not necessarily worthy of a nasty reader award.
Ha! I think Luc deserves a nasty reader (commenter) award and to be fired as this is clearly a Metallic Blue lady bug which were introduced to Hawaii as Integrated Pest Management.
While it does appear that males of the Steel Blue variety have a lighter orange dot on each side of their head it’s different (Metallic Blue has a narrower center black space) and they also seem to be much greener or at least more blue and ironically more metallic than the Metallic Blue, not to mention that cute little flare on the edges which the metallic blue does not have and a dimpling/netting effect on the shell.
http://naturewatch.org.nz/taxa/steelblue_ladybird
Whereas this is a misidentified metallic blue which should be a steel blue (male).
http://www.feathersandphotos.com.au/forum/showthread.php?7473-Metallic-Blue-Ladybird
So, pat on the back! You did well in your ID here Bugman. :^)
I found a green scarab beetle in my backyard. I had to poke at it to be sure it was dead because I was not sure of their defense capabilities. I did keep the specimen in case it might be needed. I am unsure of where is the insect primarily resided (assuming it was tropical/jungle like surroundings from the little information I found about their primary residence). So maybe it is just my wild imagination but should it even be here in the Central Valley, CA? We live in Dinuba, CA and I wanted to know if that was odd and if I should take it somewhere to document the occurrence if it is unusual for this area. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
We suspect you encountered a Figeater, a native species that feeds on fruits as an adult.
Do they eat insects? If yes then what insects,?
To the best of our knowledge, all Bees are vegans.
Hi NR. I would love to use this image in my book on world insects. I would need your copyright name to include. My publishers do not pay for images, so I can only offer the small fame of published image and very big thanks from me.
Paul
Hi NR. I would love to use this image in my book on world insects. I would need your copyright name to include. My publishers do not pay for images, so I can only offer the small fame of published image and very big thanks from me.
Paul
I’m in Moundsville WV, clear across the US and I found this exact beetle just now. It is quite pretty and this one played opossum when I picked it up. It finally woke up and I switched hands and it did it again. Is this a trait of this beetle or did I just get a scardy cat beetle.
The beetle in question is a West Coast species, however, a similar looking relative in the same genus, Pseudogaurotina abdominalis, is reported on BugGuide from Ontario and Quebec.
313D9FAB-CE6A-4ABB-BE66-CC25A79A615F.JPG
My cousin and I were at the bird banding/mist netting site run by Pt Blue, formerly PRBO, on May 31, 2017 and one of our seven year old grandchildren spotted the same insect. The site is near Bolinas California. We were delighted to read all the notes on it. We are wondering if it has been spotted this far south before. It is soooo beautiful.
According to BugGuide data, the species is reported from several western states including California.
Was sitting, getting my hair cut and something bit my hip. I felt it in my long pants, and jumped up. A LOT of swatting and shaking, and i found nothing. An hour later i got home. Took my pants off, and one of these scurried out of my pantleg. I flagged him as necessary carnage. Tulsa OK btw.
Hi, I’ve actually found this exact beetle in far north queensland (horn island to be precise) and came across this thread while trying to identify it. I’d be happy to provide images if you can give me an email address to send them to.
I have lots of them here in Latta SC.