Jewel Beetle
ExploreInsects
Jewel Beetle
Chrysochus auratus
The Jewel Beetle is a shiny little insect that sparkles in the sunlight. Its colorful body can be green, blue, or even gold!
Habitat: Forests and woodlands
Appearance
The Jewel Beetle has an elongated, somewhat flattened body, often showcasing an incredible iridescent, metallic sheen. Its exoskeleton shimmers with bright emerald green, blue, copper, or golden hues, making it look like a living gem. This intense, gem-like coloration makes it visually distinct from most other beetles.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyChrysomelidaeGenusChrysochus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Jewel Beetles often feign death by dropping to the ground when they feel threatened.
Female Jewel Beetles can sometimes lay their eggs on objects mistaken for wood, like shiny car paint!
Some Jewel Beetle larvae can live hidden inside wood for over 40 years before finally emerging!
Their shimmering colors come from tiny structures that reflect light, not pigments, like a living rainbow!
Special abilities
Ability
Iridescent Camouflage
Jewel Beetle has a dazzling iridescent exoskeleton that helps them blend into dappled sunlight and avoid predators.
Ability
Wood-Boring Master
Jewel Beetle larvae can tunnel through solid wood because of their powerful mandibles, which helps them find food and shelter.
Ability
Fire Detector
Some Jewel Beetles can detect forest fires from afar using special sensors, which helps them find fresh burnt wood for breeding.
Ability
Tough Armor
Jewel Beetle has an extremely hard exoskeleton that helps them protect their soft bodies from impacts and predators.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 15-50 mm
- Size
- 8-25 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-90 days
- Flight Speed
- 10 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult Jewel Beetles munch on leaves and nectar, while their larvae feast on wood.
Age differences: Larvae eat wood and inner bark of trees, while adults feed on leaves, nectar, or pollen from various plants.
Primary Foods
- Leaves
- Nectar
- Pollen
- Wood (larvae)
- Inner Bark (larvae)
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
A common forest bird that preys on various insects, including beetles.
eats
Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Larvae tunnel and feed within the wood of oak trees, causing damage.
pollinates
Common Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca
Adult Jewel Beetles visit milkweed flowers, helping with pollination.
parasitizes
Braconid Wasp
Spathius curvicaudis
Wasp larvae develop inside the beetle larvae, eventually killing them.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Golden BeetleGolden Tortoise Beetle
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jewel Beetle's wingspan?
15-50 mm
How big is Jewel Beetle?
8-25 mm
How long does Jewel Beetle live?
30-90 days
How fast can Jewel Beetle fly?
10 km/h
What does Jewel Beetle eat?
Adult Jewel Beetles munch on leaves and nectar, while their larvae feast on wood.
Where is Jewel Beetle usually found?
Forests and woodlands
How does Jewel Beetle hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Jewel Beetle have?
6
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