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Anthaxia nitidula

Anthaxia nitidula

The shiny, green Anthaxia nitidula is a small beetle that loves to munch on leaves. It has a beautiful metallic sheen that makes it sparkle in the sunlight!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Anthaxia nitidula is a small, metallic jewel beetle, often displaying iridescent green, bronze, or coppery hues. Its flattened, oblong body and the way its colors shimmer distinguish it from duller beetles, especially in sunlight, making it appear jewel-like.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyBuprestidaeGenusAnthaxia
Anthaxia nitidula
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Anthaxia nitidula

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adult Anthaxia nitidula are often seen sunbathing on warm leaves, soaking up energy!

Baby Anthaxia nitidula spend up to two years as grubs, munching inside wood!

Their amazing shimmer is not paint, but light reflecting off special tiny structures on their shell!

These tiny beetles are named 'jewel beetles' because of their brilliant, metallic shine!

Special abilities

Ability

Iridescent Camouflage

Anthaxia nitidula has a super shiny exoskeleton that helps them blend into leaves and flowers, making it hard for predators to spot them.

Ability

Woody Explorer

Anthaxia nitidula larvae can tunnel through dead wood, creating intricate pathways that help decompose fallen trees in the forest.

Ability

Flower Courier

Anthaxia nitidula can fly nimbly between flowers, helping to carry pollen and fertilize plants for new growth and fruits.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
7-16 mm
Size
4.5-8 mm
Lifespan
21-60 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adult Anthaxia nitidula enjoy sweet flower nectar and pollen, while their larvae munch on dead wood.

Age differences: Larvae feed on dead wood of various deciduous trees. Adults primarily feed on nectar and pollen from flowers.

Primary Foods

  • nectar
  • pollen
  • sap
  • dead deciduous wood

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

These beetles are harmless, but it's best to look and not touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Anthaxia nitidula's wingspan?

7-16 mm

How big is Anthaxia nitidula?

4.5-8 mm

How long does Anthaxia nitidula live?

21-60 days

What does Anthaxia nitidula eat?

Adult Anthaxia nitidula enjoy sweet flower nectar and pollen, while their larvae munch on dead wood.

Where is Anthaxia nitidula usually found?

Forests

How does Anthaxia nitidula hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Anthaxia nitidula have?

6

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