Metallic
Guides
Adela
fairy longhorn moths
Adela is a genus of fairy longhorn moths in the family Adelidae, characterized by exceptionally long antennae—especially in males, which can possess antennae up to three times the length of their forewings. These small, delicate moths exhibit metallic coloration and are diurnal, often observed nectaring on flowers. The genus belongs to the subfamily Adelinae and is widespread across the Holarctic region.
Adela caeruleella
Southern Longhorn Moth
Adela caeruleella is a small diurnal moth in the family Adelidae, known as fairy longhorn moths. Adults are characterized by exceptionally long antennae, especially in males which can reach three times the forewing length. The species occurs across the eastern and southern United States, where adults have been observed nectaring on flowers in woodland habitats during spring.
Agapostemon texanus
metallic green sweat bee, Texas striped sweat bee
Agapostemon texanus is a ground-nesting sweat bee with the widest geographic range of any species in its genus, spanning from southern Canada to Costa Rica. Both sexes exhibit metallic blue-green coloration on the head and thorax, while males display distinctive black and yellow abdominal banding. The species is exclusively solitary, differing from other Agapostemon that may form communal nests. It is a generalist forager active from March through October, transporting pollen on its hind legs.
Anthaxia aenescens
Anthaxia aenescens is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species was described by Casey in 1884. It is distributed in North America.
Atomosiella antennata
Metallic Micropanther
Atomosiella antennata is a small robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Banks in 1920. It is known from only three observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is rarely encountered or poorly documented. The common name "Metallic Micropanther" suggests distinctive metallic coloration. As a member of the Asilidae, it is a predatory fly, though specific prey and behavioral details for this species remain undocumented.
Augochloropsis
metallic sweat bees
Augochloropsis is a genus of metallic sweat bees in the family Halictidae, comprising at least 140 described species. These bees are characterized by brilliant metallic coloration, typically bright green or blue-green, though some species exhibit gold, red, or purple hues. The genus displays remarkable behavioral plasticity, with social organization ranging from solitary to communal, semisocial, and primitively eusocial nesting. Augochloropsis is restricted to the New World, with the majority of species occurring in tropical and subtropical regions and a smaller number extending into temperate North America.
Brachys aeruginosus
Brachys aeruginosus is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Gory in 1841. It belongs to the tribe Trachyini, a group characterized by flattened, compact, wedge-shaped adults whose larvae mine within leaves rather than boring through wood. The species is uncommonly encountered compared to congeners and is most often associated with oaks. It is found in North America, with records from Canada (Manitoba, Ontario, Québec) and the United States.
Buprestis aurulenta
golden jewel beetle, golden buprestid, Golden Buprestid Beetle
Buprestis aurulenta, commonly known as the golden jewel beetle or golden buprestid, is a striking metallic wood-boring beetle native to western North America. Adults display brilliant iridescent green coloration with orange margins on the elytra. The species is notable for its exceptionally prolonged larval development, with documented cases of larvae surviving 47 years or more in dry wood before emerging as adults. This longevity makes it one of the most long-lived beetle species known.
Buprestis salisburyensis
Buprestis salisburyensis is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, subgenus Stereosa. The species is characterized by brilliant metallic blue-green coloration with bright red margins on the elytra. It is associated with pine habitats in eastern North America and has been collected from Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana) in Tennessee.
Calopterygidae
broad-winged damselflies, demoiselles, jewelwings
Calopterygidae is a family of damselflies in the suborder Zygoptera, containing approximately 150 species. Members are relatively large for damselflies, with wingspans of 50–80 mm, and are characterized by broad wings with wide bases, metallic coloration, and a distinctive flight pattern described as jerky and fluttering. The family is distributed across all continents except Antarctica, primarily associated with running water habitats.
Calosoma splendidum
Splendid Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma splendidum is a large ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Dejean in 1831. It is distributed across the Caribbean, southeastern United States, and Mexico. The species is notable for its metallic green to golden-green or light brown coloration and its absence of the red elytral border found in related species.
Chalcolepidius smaragdinus
A large click beetle species in the family Elateridae, notable for its striking metallic green coloration. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona, where it has been observed on desert vegetation including Baccharis sarothroides and Prosopis glandulosa. Adults are active during the summer months and are sometimes attracted to blacklights.
Chlaenius
Vivid Metallic Ground Beetles
Chlaenius is a large and diverse genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, comprising approximately 1,000 recognized species worldwide. The genus is most diverse in the Oriental and Afrotropical regions, though it also occurs extensively in the Palearctic, Near East, North Africa, and Nearctic realms. Members are commonly known as vivid metallic ground beetles due to their often striking metallic coloration. The genus is divided into numerous subgenera and includes species that serve as important biological indicators of soil health and agricultural practices.
Chlaenius ruficauda
Chlaenius ruficauda is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to North America with confirmed records from the United States and Mexico. As a member of the large genus Chlaenius, which contains approximately 1,000 species worldwide, this species shares the characteristic metallic coloration and predatory habits typical of the genus. The specific epithet 'ruficauda' refers to the reddish coloration of the abdomen or tail region. Like other Chlaenius species, it possesses chemical defense glands that emit aromatic compounds when disturbed.
Chlaenius tricolor
Tricolored Harp Ground Beetle, Vivid Metallic Ground Beetle
Chlaenius tricolor is a ground beetle in the family Carabidae, recognized by its vivid metallic coloration. The species ranges from southern Canada to Guatemala, with two recognized subspecies divided by the Rocky Mountains. It has been documented as a predator of slugs in agricultural settings and is considered sensitive to soil disturbance, making it a useful bioindicator of farming practices.
Chrysidinae
cuckoo wasps
Chrysidinae is the largest and most familiar subfamily of cuckoo wasps, containing approximately 3000 species across 48 genera worldwide. These wasps are renowned for their brilliant metallic coloration, primarily in blues and greens, and their heavily sculptured exoskeletons. They are obligate brood parasites of solitary bees and wasps, with females incapable of stinging due to modification of the sting apparatus into an egg-laying tube. Their distinctive defensive behavior involves rolling into a ball to protect vulnerable appendages when threatened.
Chrysina woodi
Wood's jewel scarab
Chrysina woodi is a metallic green scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as Wood's jewel scarab. Adults measure 25–35 mm in length and are distinguished by their bright green coloration with green legs and blue tarsi. The species is native to the Chihuahuan Desert region, occurring in Chihuahua, Mexico, and extending into New Mexico and Texas in the United States. Adults have been documented feeding primarily on Texas black walnut (Juglans microcarpa). The species name was first published in 1884 as 'woodi' and takes precedence over the subsequent 'woodii' spelling of 1885 under ICZN Article 50.2.
Chrysis conica
Chrysis conica is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae, first described by Brullé in 1846. Like other members of the genus Chrysis, it is a parasitoid that lays its eggs in the nests of other solitary wasps or bees. The larva consumes the host's provisions and developing offspring. Adults are typically metallic in coloration, a characteristic feature of the family.
Chrysis lucifera
Chrysis lucifera is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae, first described by Bohart in 1982. Like other members of its genus, it is a cleptoparasite that lays eggs in the nests of solitary wasps and bees, where its larvae consume the host's provisioned food. The species exhibits the characteristic brilliant metallic coloration and armored exoskeleton typical of cuckoo wasps. Specific details about its host associations and geographic range remain limited in published literature.
Chrysochus auratus
Dogbane Leaf Beetle, Dogbane Beetle
Chrysochus auratus is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, notable for its striking iridescent blue-green coloration with coppery or golden metallic highlights. This beetle is strictly associated with dogbane plants (Apocynum spp.), feeding on leaves as adults and roots as larvae. It has evolved specialized physiological and behavioral adaptations to overcome the toxic cardenolide defenses of its host plants, including a modified Na+/K+-ATPase enzyme that allows it to process and even sequester these compounds for its own chemical defense against predators.
Chrysopilus
snipe flies
Chrysopilus is a diverse genus of snipe flies in the family Rhagionidae, comprising approximately 300 species with worldwide distribution across all biogeographical regions. The genus includes both extant and fossil species, with some fossil members preserved in amber. Several species exhibit metallic scaling on the exoskeleton, giving adults a distinctive appearance. Larval development occurs in moist, decaying organic substrates including rotting wood and damp soil.
Chrysopilus griffithi
Griffith's snipe fly
Chrysopilus griffithi is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, first described by Johnson in 1897. It is a member of the genus Chrysopilus, which is characterized by delicate metallic scales that give adults a sparkly, golden appearance. The specific epithet honors an individual named Griffith. Like other rhagionids, this species likely has larvae that develop in damp soil or decaying organic matter, though detailed life history information remains poorly documented.
Chrysopilus ornatus
Ornate Snipe Fly
Chrysopilus ornatus is a small, metallic snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, distinguished by its ornate gold-colored scales that cover the body. Adults are found primarily in moist woodlands and forest edges of the northeastern United States and adjacent southern Canada, with activity peaking in June. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism: males have eyes in contact at the top of the head and more slender abdomens, while females have separated eyes and more robust, pointed abdomens. Surprisingly little is known about its life history; larvae are suspected to occur in damp soil rich in decaying organic matter or in rotting wood, and may be predatory on other invertebrates.
Chrysosyrphus versipellis
Chrysosyrphus versipellis is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the tribe Callicerini. Members of this genus are known for their metallic coloration and distinctive facial ornamentation. The species is associated with forested habitats and has been recorded in the Palearctic region.
Condylostylus banksii
Condylostylus banksii is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1914. Like other members of its genus, it is a small, predatory fly typically found in sunny, vegetated habitats. The species exhibits the family's characteristic metallic coloration and elongated legs. Species-level identification within Condylostylus generally requires examination of male genitalia.
Condylostylus calcaratus
long-legged fly
Condylostylus calcaratus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Loew in 1861. Members of this genus are commonly encountered in gardens and along forest edges, where they are active predators on small insects. The family Dolichopodidae is among the most diverse families of Diptera, with nearly 60 genera and approximately 1,300 species in North America north of Mexico alone.
Condylostylus comatus
Condylostylus comatus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, primarily found in the Eastern United States. Males can be distinguished from similar species by a row of hairs on the mid metatarsus and pale genital appendages. The species belongs to a diverse Neotropical genus and exhibits typical dolichopodid characteristics including predatory behavior on small insects.
Condylostylus connectans
Condylostylus connectans is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Curran in 1942. As a member of this diverse family, it belongs to a group of small, often metallic predatory flies commonly found in gardens, forest edges, and sunny vegetation. The genus Condylostylus is among the more frequently encountered dolichopodids in North American gardens and similar habitats.
Condylostylus melampus
long-legged fly
Condylostylus melampus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Loew in 1862. As a member of the large and diverse genus Condylostylus, it shares the family's characteristic predatory habits and metallic coloration. The species is part of a family containing approximately 1,300 species in North America north of Mexico alone.
Condylostylus nigrofemoratus
longlegged fly
Condylostylus nigrofemoratus is a species of longlegged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, characterized by its predatory behavior and typical dolichopodid morphology. Members of this genus are commonly encountered in gardens and along forest edges. The species was described by Walker in 1849. Like other dolichopodids, it is a small, agile predator of other small insects.
Condylostylus pruinosus
Condylostylus pruinosus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. Like other members of its genus, it is a small, predatory fly typically found in sunny, vegetated habitats. The species was described by Coquillett in 1904. As with most dolichopodids, species-level identification generally requires examination of male genitalia.
Condylostylus purpureus
A small predatory fly in the family Dolichopodidae, characterized by metallic coloration and exceptionally long legs. As with most members of this diverse family, adults are active predators on other small insects. The species epithet "purpureus" suggests purple coloration, though specific descriptions of this species are limited in available sources. Condylostylus species are typically encountered in gardens, along forest edges, and similar sunny habitats where they dart over vegetation.
Condylostylus scaber
long-legged fly
Condylostylus scaber is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. These small, metallic flies are active predators of other small insects. The genus Condylostylus includes species commonly observed in gardens and forest edges across North America. Like other dolichopodids, they are known for their agility and rapid, darting flight patterns.
Condylostylus sipho
long-legged fly
Condylostylus sipho is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. Like other members of this family, it is a predatory insect active in sunny, open habitats. The species is found in North America.
Condylostylus tonsus
long-legged fly
Condylostylus tonsus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, characterized by metallic coloration and elongated legs. Like other members of its genus, it is a predatory fly active in sunny habitats. Species identification within Condylostylus generally requires examination of male genitalia.
Crepidodera browni
Metallic Brown Flea Beetle
Crepidodera browni is a flea beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Parry in 1986. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Alberta and Ontario in Canada. As a member of the genus Crepidodera, it shares the characteristic jumping ability of flea beetles, enabled by enlarged hind femora. Information regarding its biology, ecology, and specific host associations remains limited.
Dasydactylus cnici
Bronze Lizard Beetle
Dasydactylus cnici is a species of pleasing fungus beetle in the family Erotylidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1904. Commonly known as the Bronze Lizard Beetle, this small beetle is known from scattered observations across North and Middle America. It belongs to a genus characterized by lizard-like body form and association with fungal substrates. The species remains poorly documented in scientific literature with limited ecological data available.
Dolichopus albiciliatus
Dolichopus albiciliatus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Loew in 1862. Members of the genus Dolichopus are characterized by elongated legs and often metallic coloration. As with other dolichopodids, adults are predatory on small insects.
Dolichopus eudactylus
Dolichopus eudactylus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Loew in 1861. As a member of the genus Dolichopus, it belongs to a diverse group of small predatory flies characterized by elongated legs and often metallic coloration. The species is part of a family with approximately 1,300 species in North America north of Mexico alone. Like other dolichopodids, D. eudactylus is predatory on small insects and is typically found in sunny, open habitats.
Dolichopus funditor
Dolichopus funditor is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Loew in 1861. Members of this genus are known for their elongated legs, metallic coloration, and predatory habits. Males possess specialized scales on the front tarsi that function in courtship displays. Like other dolichopodids, this species likely inhabits moist environments and exhibits rapid, agile movement.
Elaphrus lecontei
Elaphrus lecontei is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Elaphrinae, described by Crotch in 1876. The genus Elaphrus comprises true ground beetles that are frequently mistaken for tiger beetles (Cicindelinae) due to their similar appearance and behavior. These beetles are known for their metallic coloration and preference for moist, sandy habitats.
Eurhinus magnificus
Jewel Weevil, Iridescent Weevil
Eurhinus magnificus, commonly known as the jewel weevil, is a brilliantly colored weevil native to Central America. Adults are small (5–6 mm long, 3–4 mm wide) with striking metallic blue-green bodies accented by metallic red-copper on the humeri, elytra apex, pronotum, rostrum, and legs. The species was first described by Leonard Gyllenhaal in 1836 and has been introduced to southern Florida, where it was first detected in 2002. It is a gall-forming herbivore whose larvae develop within stem galls on its primary host plant, Cissus verticillata.
Gaurotes cyanipennis
Gaurotes cyanipennis is a species of longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. It belongs to the subfamily Lepturinae and tribe Rhagiini. The species is found in eastern North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits metallic coloration typical of many rhagiine beetles.
Hedychridium
cuckoo wasps
Hedychridium is a genus of cuckoo wasps in the family Chrysididae, characterized by brilliant metallic coloration in blues, greens, and reds. These small wasps are nest parasites of predatory solitary wasps, with females laying eggs in the nests of host species. The genus is distributed across the Western Palaearctic, with some species found in North America and isolated records from the Far East. Adults are commonly observed visiting flowers for nectar, particularly plants in the families Apiaceae and Asteraceae.
Laetodon laetus
Small Metallic Ant Fly
Laetodon laetus is a small hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the subfamily Microdontinae, commonly known as the Small Metallic Ant Fly. Members of Microdontinae are myrmecophilous, meaning they have ecological associations with ants. The species exhibits metallic coloration and has been documented in limited observations, with 41 records on iNaturalist suggesting it is infrequently encountered or underreported.
Lasioglossum lineatulum
Lineated Metallic Sweat Bee
Lasioglossum lineatulum is a metallic sweat bee in the subgenus Dialictus, one of the most commonly collected bee groups in North America. The species was described by Crawford in 1906 and has undergone taxonomic revision, with Halictus (Chloralictus) latus and H. (C.) unicus synonymized under this name. As a member of the largest bee genus, it contributes to the high abundance of Lasioglossum species frequently captured in bee monitoring surveys.
Lebia abdita
Lebia abdita is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Madge in 1967. The species is known from arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Like other members of the genus Lebia, it is likely associated with vegetation and may be attracted to lights at night.
Lebia bumeliae
Lebia bumeliae is a species of colorful foliage ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Schaeffer in 1910. The genus Lebia is characterized by relatively small beetles with often bright metallic wing covers that draw attention despite their size. The specific epithet "bumeliae" suggests an association with plants in the genus Bumelia (sourgum or chittamwood). The species is known from North America, with records from the United States.
Lebia cf-scapula
Lebia cf-scapula is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Lebiinae. The genus Lebia comprises colorful foliage ground beetles, many of which exhibit bright metallic coloration on their elytra. These beetles are relatively small in stature but visually conspicuous due to their reflective wing covers. They are nocturnal and frequently attracted to artificial light sources.
Lebia deceptrix
Lebia deceptrix is a species of colorful foliage ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Madge in 1967. Like other members of the genus Lebia, it is relatively small but often displays bright metallic coloration on its wing covers. The species occurs in North America. As a foliage ground beetle, it is likely associated with vegetation rather than strictly ground-dwelling habits.