Metallic-beetle
Guides
Acmaeodera resplendens
Resplendent Buprestid
Acmaeodera resplendens is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Van Dyke in 1937. The species is distinguished by its brilliant metallic green to copper coloration. It has been collected from flowers of several composite species in montane habitats of southern Arizona, particularly from Heliomeris longifolia and Bahia dissecta. The specific epithet 'resplendens' refers to its striking, resplendent appearance.
Actenodes flexicaulis
Actenodes flexicaulis is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1904. It belongs to a genus of jewel beetles distributed across North America. Like other Actenodes species, it is presumed to develop as larvae in dead wood of woody host plants, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Actenodes mendax
Actenodes mendax is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America. The species was described by Horn in 1891. Based on field observations, adults have been collected on Prosopis glandulosa (honey mesquite) in clay/gypsum mixed-grass prairie habitats in Oklahoma.
Agrilus juglandis
Butternut Agrilus
Agrilus juglandis, commonly known as the butternut agrilus, is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It was described by Knull in 1920 and is native to North America. The species is associated with walnut trees (Juglans spp.), as indicated by its specific epithet. Like other members of the hyper-diverse genus Agrilus, it is a metallic wood-borer whose larvae develop in woody hosts.
Agrilus obolinus
Agrilus obolinus is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by LeConte in 1860. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Agrilus, it is presumed to develop as a larva in woody plant tissue, though specific host associations and biological details remain poorly documented. The species has been rarely encountered in collections, with only two iNaturalist observations recorded.
Agrilus sayi
Bayberry Agrilus
Agrilus sayi, commonly known as the bayberry agrilus, is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is native to North America, with documented occurrence in Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia) and the United States. As a member of the enormous genus Agrilus, which contains nearly 4,000 described species, A. sayi represents one of many twig and branch-boring buprestids that develop in recently dead wood.
Agrilus torquatus
Agrilus torquatus is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species was described by LeConte in 1860 and is known to occur in North America. Like other members of the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, it is presumed to develop as a larva in wood, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Agrilus toxotes
Agrilus toxotes is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Obenberger in 1935. The species was historically known only from Mexico until specimens were collected in south Texas in the 1980s, representing a northward range extension into the United States. It belongs to the large genus Agrilus, which contains hundreds of species worldwide. The species name refers to the archer fish genus Toxotes, though the specific reason for this epithet choice is not documented in available sources.
Anomala digressa
shining leaf chafer
Anomala digressa is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. It is a small scarab beetle with a metallic sheen typical of the Anomala genus. The species was described by Casey in 1915 and is currently recognized as a synonym of Paranomala digressa in some taxonomic databases. Very little is known about its specific biology or ecology.
Brachys aerosus
Northern Red Oak Jewel Beetle
Brachys aerosus is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, tribe Trachyini. Adults measure 3–5 mm in length and exhibit highly variable coloration, with the basal region of the elytra typically showing purple, blue, or green luster and the apical area covered in gold to bronze pubescence. The species is commonly associated with hardwood trees, particularly oaks and elms, though its broad host range and morphological variability suggest it may represent a cryptic species complex. Larvae are leaf miners rather than wood borers, a distinctive trait of the tribe Trachyini.
Brachys floccosus
Brachys floccosus is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, originally described by Mannerheim in 1837. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Records indicate it has been collected from oak woodland habitats in montane regions of southeastern Arizona, specifically from Quercus hypoleucoides (silverleaf oak).
Buprestis langii
Buprestis langii is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It has a widespread distribution across the northwestern Nearctic region of North America. The species was described by Mannerheim in 1843 and represents one of many jewel beetles in the genus Buprestis known for their metallic coloration. A 2010 record from Watson Lake, Yukon Territory extended its known Canadian distribution.
Calosoma scrutator
Fiery Searcher, Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma scrutator is a large, predatory ground beetle native to North America, commonly known as the Fiery Searcher or Caterpillar Hunter. Adults reach 25–35 mm in length and display striking metallic coloration. The species is primarily nocturnal and climbs vegetation to hunt caterpillars, earning its common name. When disturbed, it excretes a foul-smelling defensive oil from pygidial glands. It serves as an important biological control agent for defoliating insect pests.
Calosoma sycophanta
forest caterpillar hunter, Agreeable Caterpillar Hunter
Calosoma sycophanta is a large, metallic ground beetle renowned for its specialized predation on caterpillars. Adults reach 21–35 mm in length and display striking iridescent green elytra with a bluish scutellum, though coloration shifts with light angle to show blue, bronze, copper, gold, or black tones. Both adults and larvae are arboreal hunters, ascending trees to prey on caterpillars including Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth), Thaumetopoea processionea (oak processionary), and Thaumetopoea pityocampa. The species is diurnal and visually orients toward dark objects and tree bases in forests. Native to Europe, it has been introduced to North America for biological control and is now established in the northeastern United States.
Chlaenius emarginatus
Emarginate Chlaenius
Chlaenius emarginatus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to North America. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Chlaenius, which contains approximately 1,000 species worldwide. Like other members of its genus, this beetle is likely predatory. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1823.
Chlaenius fuscicornis
Chlaenius fuscicornis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Dejean in 1831. The genus Chlaenius contains approximately 1,000 species worldwide, with the majority occurring in the Oriental and Afrotropical regions. Members of this genus are known for their often vivid metallic coloration and defensive chemical secretions.
Chlaenius nemoralis
vivid metallic ground beetle
Chlaenius nemoralis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, native to North America. The genus Chlaenius comprises approximately 1,000 species worldwide, with this species occurring in Canada and the United States. Members of this genus are often referred to as "vivid metallic ground beetles" due to their characteristic metallic coloration. The species is part of a diverse group of carabid beetles that serve as important bioindicators of environmental health in agricultural and natural ecosystems.
Chlaenius oxygonus
Chlaenius oxygonus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It occurs in North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented. Like other members of the genus Chlaenius, it is presumed to be a predatory beetle active on the ground surface.
Chlaenius platyderus
Chlaenius platyderus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It is one of approximately 1,000 species in the large and diverse genus Chlaenius, which is distributed across the Palearctic, Near East, North Africa, Afrotropical region, and Nearctic. The species was described by Chaudoir in 1856. Observations of this species have been recorded in North America, specifically in the USA and Manitoba, Canada.
Chlaenius sparsus
Chlaenius sparsus is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by LeConte in 1863. As a member of the genus Chlaenius, it belongs to a group commonly known as "vivid metallic ground beetles" or "colorful foliage ground beetles." The species occurs in North America and Mexico. Like other Chlaenius species, it is likely predatory, though specific natural history details for this species remain poorly documented.
Chlaenius tricolor vigilans
vivid metallic ground beetle
Chlaenius tricolor vigilans is a subspecies of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, recognized by its vivid metallic coloration. This subspecies occurs across North America from Canada to Guatemala. It has been documented as a predator of slugs in agricultural settings and is considered sensitive to soil management practices, making it a useful bioindicator of environmental disturbance.
Chlaenius vafer
Chlaenius vafer is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by LeConte in 1852. It belongs to the genus Chlaenius, a diverse group of often colorful ground beetles commonly known as "vivid metallic ground beetles." The species is found in North America. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a predatory beetle, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Chrysina lecontei
Leconte's chrysina
Chrysina lecontei is a species of shining leaf chafer beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species is known for its metallic coloration, typical of the genus Chrysina. It has been documented in Arizona and New Mexico in the United States, and in several Mexican states including Chihuahua, Durango, Sinaloa, Sonora, and Zacatecas.
Chrysobothris adelpha
Chrysobothris adelpha is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It belongs to the Chrysobothris femorata species-group, a complex of closely related species that were historically confused under the catch-all name C. femorata. The species is distributed across eastern North America and is primarily associated with hickory (Carya spp.), though it has also been reared from serviceberry (Amelanchier) and mesquite (Prosopis).
Chrysobothris chalcophoroides
sculptured oak borer
Chrysobothris chalcophoroides, commonly known as the sculptured oak borer, is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species was described by Horn in 1886 and is distributed across North America. Like other members of its genus, it develops in oak wood, with adults active during warmer months. The species exhibits the characteristic metallic coloration and sculptured elytra typical of Chrysobothris.
Chrysobothris cuprascens
A small to medium-sized metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, characterized by coppery or brassy metallic coloration. First described by LeConte in 1860, this species occurs in North America and has been documented in pinyon-juniper woodland habitats. Adults have been observed on recently fallen branches of Pinus edulis (Colorado pinyon pine), where they run rapidly along the wood surface. Like other members of the genus Chrysobothris, the larvae are wood-borers that develop in dead or dying coniferous hosts.
Chrysobothris libonoti
Chrysobothris libonoti is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America. The species was described by Horn in 1886. Like other members of the genus Chrysobothris, it is associated with woody plants, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners.
Chrysobothris rossi
Chrysobothris rossi is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The species has been collected from mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), soapberry (Sapindus saponaria), and various acacia species (Vachellia constricta, Senegalia greggii). Adults are attracted to ethanol-baited traps and can be collected by beating dead or dying branches of host plants.
Chrysobothris rotundicollis
A metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, native to North America. The species name 'rotundicollis' refers to its rounded pronotum. Like other members of the genus, it likely develops in woody plants, though specific host associations remain poorly documented. The species is recognized from scattered records across Canada and the United States.
Chrysobothris texana
Chrysobothris texana is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species was described by LeConte in 1860 and occurs in Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Chrysobothris, it is associated with woody host plants, though specific ecological details remain limited in the available literature.
Chrysobothris tranquebarica
Australian Pine Borer, Mangrove Borer
Chrysobothris tranquebarica is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, commonly known as the Australian pine borer or mangrove borer. The species has been documented in the Caribbean Sea region and North America. As a member of the genus Chrysobothris, it shares the characteristic metallic coloration and wood-boring larval habits typical of this large and taxonomically challenging group.
Chrysobothris trinervia
Chrysobothris trinervia is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Kirby in 1837. It is distributed across northern North America, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Labrador in Canada. The species name "trinervia" (three-veined) likely refers to elytral venation patterns, though specific morphological details distinguishing it from congeners are not well documented in available sources. Like other members of the genus, it presumably develops in dead or dying woody plants, though confirmed host associations have not been established.
Dicerca callosa
Dicerca callosa is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. Described by Casey in 1909, it is native to North America. The species includes two recognized subspecies: Dicerca callosa callosa and Dicerca callosa frosti. Like other members of the genus Dicerca, it is likely associated with dead or dying woody plants, though specific host records for this species remain limited.
Lebia collaris
Lebia collaris is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Lebiinae. It is recorded from the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in available sources. Like other members of the genus Lebia, it likely exhibits the colorful metallic elytra characteristic of this group of foliage ground beetles.
Lebia lecta
Lebia lecta is a species of colorful foliage ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by George Henry Horn in 1885. Members of the genus Lebia are relatively small beetles that draw attention with often bright metallic wing covers. The genus is known for being attracted to lights at night. This species occurs in North America, with records from the United States.
Lebia marginicollis
Lebia marginicollis is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae. The genus Lebia comprises small, often brightly metallic beetles commonly known as colorful foliage ground beetles. Observations indicate this species occurs in North America, though specific details about its biology remain limited in published sources.
Lebia moesta
Lebia moesta is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1850. It is found in North America, with records from both the United States and Canada. Like other members of the genus Lebia, this species is part of a diverse group of small to medium-sized predatory beetles commonly known as colorful foliage ground beetles. The genus Lebia is characterized by often bright metallic coloration on the elytra, though specific details for L. moesta remain limited in the available literature.
Lebia rufopleura
Lebia rufopleura is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Schaeffer in 1910. It belongs to the genus Lebia, a diverse group of small, often colorful foliage ground beetles. The species is known from North America, specifically recorded in the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with vegetation and may be attracted to lights at night.
Lebia solea
Lebia solea is a species of ground beetle in the family Carabidae, first described by Hentz in 1830. It belongs to the genus Lebia, a group of small, often brightly colored foliage ground beetles. The species is documented from North America, with records from both Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with vegetation and may be attracted to lights at night.
Lebia subdola
Lebia subdola is a small, colorful foliage ground beetle in the family Carabidae, described by Madge in 1967. Like other members of the genus Lebia, it exhibits bright metallic coloration on its wing covers. The species is recorded from the United States and is part of the diverse North American fauna of this predatory beetle genus. Specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in available literature.
Metaparia clytroides
Metaparia clytroides is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. The genus Metaparia was established to accommodate species previously placed in Spintherophyta and related genera, with taxonomic revisions moving several Central American species. This species is documented from the south-central United States.
Necrobia violacea
blacklegged ham beetle, blue ham beetle, cosmopolitan blue bone beetle, Violet Checkered Beetle
Necrobia violacea is a small clerid beetle, 4–5 mm in length, with uniformly metallic blue-green to green coloration including its legs. The species occurs in the Palearctic region and has been introduced to North America. Adults are long-lived and associated with dried animal products, including cured meats, dried fish, aged cheeses, oilseeds, and desiccated carcasses. Larvae are predatory, feeding on other insect larvae found on carrion rather than consuming the carrion directly. The species has limited forensic relevance due to its preference for corpses in advanced decomposition stages.
Paracotalpa granicollis
Hairy Bear Scarab Beetle
Paracotalpa granicollis is a scarab beetle in the subfamily Rutelinae, commonly known as the Hairy Bear Scarab Beetle. The species is endemic to the Intermountain West of North America, with documented populations across the Columbia Plateau, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau. It is one of approximately 15 species in the genus Paracotalpa, a group of shining leaf chafers characterized by metallic coloration. The species has been recorded in eight western U.S. states and is relatively well-represented in citizen science observations.
Paracotalpa ursina
little-bear scarab beetle, little bear
Paracotalpa ursina, commonly known as the little-bear scarab beetle or little bear, is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. Adults range from 10 to 23 mm in length and display distinctive coloration with black, metallic blue, or metallic green head and thorax, and red-brown or black elytra. The species is distributed in the western United States and Mexico.
Phratora
Phratora is a genus of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) distributed across the Northern Hemisphere in cool, moist regions where their host plants occur. The genus is synonymous with Phyllodecta. Species in this genus feed primarily on willows (Salix), poplars (Populus), or birch (Betula), with host plant associations showing evolutionary conservation—closely related beetle species tend to feed on closely related plant species. European species are difficult to distinguish by external morphology alone and require examination of female genitalia for reliable identification. Several species, particularly Phratora vulgatissima, are economically significant pests of short-rotation coppice willow plantations.
Ripiphorus iridescens
Ripiphorus iridescens is a species of wedge-shaped beetle in the family Ripiphoridae, described by Rivnay in 1929. Members of this genus are known for their unusual biology involving hypermetamorphosis and parasitic relationships with bees. The species epithet "iridescens" refers to the metallic or iridescent coloration typical of many ripiphorid beetles. Like other members of the family, this species likely exhibits the characteristic abbreviated elytra and reduced wing venation that distinguishes Ripiphoridae from other beetle families.
Thrincopyge
jewel beetles
Thrincopyge is a genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) in the subfamily Polycestinae. The genus contains three described species: T. alacris, T. ambiens, and T. marginata. Adults are known for their striking metallic coloration, typically combining blue or green with vivid yellow. Larvae develop within the dried flowering stalks of sotol plants (Dasylirion spp.), while adults conceal themselves at the base of the plants among the long, strap-like leaves. The genus occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Xenomelanophila miranda
Xenomelanophila miranda is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, originally described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1854 as Phaenops miranda. The species belongs to a small genus of buprestid beetles and has been recorded from North America and Middle America. Like other members of Buprestidae, adults are characterized by their metallic coloration and elongated, somewhat flattened bodies adapted for living under bark.