Metallic-beetles
Guides
Acmaeodera parkeri
Acmaeodera parkeri is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Cazier in 1940. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults have been observed visiting flowers of several plant species, including Allionia incarnata (creeping four o'clock), Talinum whitei (White's flameflower), and Evolvulus arizonicus (Arizona blue-eyes).
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jewel beetles, metallic woodboring beetles
Agrilus is a genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) containing approximately 3,000-4,000 described species, making it one of the largest genera in the animal kingdom. Species are found on all continents except Antarctica and exhibit diverse ecological strategies, though most are wood-boring larvae developing in recently dead branches of woody flowering plants. A few notable species are economically significant pests that attack living trees, including the emerald ash borer (A. planipennis), bronze birch borer (A. anxius), and twolined chestnut borer (A. bilineatus).
Altica
Metallic Flea Beetles
Altica is a large genus of flea beetles comprising approximately 300 species distributed nearly worldwide. The genus name derives from Greek 'haltikós' meaning 'jumper,' referring to the adult beetles' ability to jump when disturbed. Species are small, metallic blue-green to bronze beetles that are morphologically similar and often distinguished only by male genitalia. Both larvae and adults are phytophagous, with most species showing strong host plant specificity. The genus is best represented in the Neotropical realm, with significant diversity in the Nearctic and Palearctic regions.
Anomala
Pale and Green Leaf Chafers, Shining Leaf Chafers
Anomala is a large genus of scarab beetles containing at least 1,200 described species, commonly known as shining leaf chafers or pale and green leaf chafers. Members are recognized by their metallic or iridescent coloration and compact, oval body shape. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, most notably the Oriental beetle (Anomala orientalis), which was introduced to North America before 1920 and has become established from Maine to the Carolinas and westward. Larvae of many species are root-feeding white grubs that damage turfgrass and ornamental plants.
Anthaxiini
Anthaxiini is a tribe of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) characterized by small to medium-sized, often metallic species. The tribe includes the genus Anthaxia, one of the largest genera in Buprestidae, with numerous species distributed across multiple biogeographic regions. Members of this tribe exhibit considerable morphological diversity and have been subject to extensive taxonomic revision due to the complexity of species-level identification.
Apristus
Apristus is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, first described by Chaudoir in 1846. The genus comprises approximately 60 described species distributed across multiple continents including North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Members are classified within the subtribe Lionychina of the tribe Lebiini. The genus exhibits considerable diversity in body form and coloration, with many species showing metallic or iridescent integument.
Buprestidae
Jewel Beetles, Metallic Wood-Boring Beetles
Buprestidae is a large family of beetles comprising approximately 15,000 described species in 775 genera, commonly known as jewel beetles or metallic wood-boring beetles. Adults are renowned for their brilliant iridescent coloration produced by structural coloration rather than pigments. Larvae, called flatheaded borers, develop in wood and plant tissues, with many species associated with dying or dead trees. Some species are serious forest pests, notably the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), while others are attracted to burned forests and can detect infrared radiation and smoke from distances up to 50 miles.
Buprestis
jewel beetles
Buprestis is a genus of jewel beetles in the family Buprestidae, tribe Buprestini. As of 2011, approximately 78 described species were recognized, distributed across most of the world's biogeographic realms except parts of Africa and Antarctica. The genus exhibits striking metallic coloration in shades of yellow, green, copper, and red. Species vary in size and subgeneric classification, with recognized subgenera including Cypriacis, Knulliobuprestis, and Stereosa. Some species are considered rare and are highly sought by collectors.
Buprestoidea
jewel beetles, metallic wood-boring beetles
Buprestoidea is a superfamily of beetles comprising two families: Buprestidae (jewel beetles or metallic wood-boring beetles) and Schizopodidae. The group is characterized by species with often brilliant metallic coloration and includes over 15,000 described species worldwide, with Buprestidae containing the vast majority. Members are primarily xylophagous as larvae, developing in wood or plant stems.
Chalcolepidius
click beetles
Chalcolepidius is a genus of click beetles (family Elateridae) comprising approximately 63 species, with the majority distributed in the Americas. Species within this genus are typically large, metallic-colored beetles associated with woody vegetation. The genus was revised by Casari in 2002, and new distribution records continue to be documented, particularly in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Chrysobothrini
metallic wood-boring beetles
Chrysobothrini is a tribe of metallic wood-boring beetles within the family Buprestidae, containing at least three genera and approximately 140 described species. The tribe includes the large and economically significant genus Chrysobothris, whose members are primarily wood-borers associated with various tree and shrub hosts. Species in this tribe are characterized by their metallic coloration and cylindrical body form typical of the family. The group has been subject to taxonomic revision, particularly the Chrysobothris femorata species complex, which was recently redefined to recognize numerous cryptic species.
Chrysobothris
metallic wood-boring beetles, flatheaded borers
Chrysobothris is a large genus of metallic wood-boring beetles (family Buprestidae) containing at least 690 described species. Members are characterized by their flattened, streamlined bodies and often striking metallic coloration. The genus includes economically important pests of fruit trees, shade trees, and forest trees, as well as numerous species with narrower host associations. Species identification is notoriously difficult due to high diversity, morphological similarity among closely related taxa, and the existence of numerous cryptic species complexes.
Chrysolina
leaf beetles
Chrysolina is a large genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Chrysomelinae, containing numerous species distributed primarily across Europe, Asia, and Africa. The genus is notable for its phytophagous species, many of which exhibit strong host plant specificity. Several species have been employed as classical biological control agents against invasive weeds, most notably Chrysolina quadrigemina and C. hyperici for control of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort). Some species are of conservation concern, including C. cerealis and C. graminis, which are protected in the United Kingdom. The genus includes both native and introduced populations, with some species established in North America and Australia.
Cicindela
common tiger beetles
Cicindela is a large genus of tiger beetles characterized by metallic, often brightly colored bodies with ivory or cream-colored markings. The genus occurs worldwide and contains over 850 species, though taxonomy remains unsettled with numerous subgenera debated as independent genera. Members are fast-running, visually oriented predators of small invertebrates. The name derives from Latin 'cicindela' meaning 'glowworm', referring to their metallic, sometimes flashing appearance.
Cicindelinae
tiger beetles
Cicindelinae is a subfamily of predatory beetles commonly known as tiger beetles. Adults are characterized by large eyes, long slender legs, and powerful mandibles adapted for capturing fast-moving prey. They exhibit a distinctive run-stop-run hunting pattern necessitated by their visual processing limitations at high speeds. The subfamily contains approximately 2,822 species in 120 genera distributed worldwide, though they are most diverse in tropical and subtropical regions. Many species show strong habitat specificity, with some restricted to particular sand dune systems, riparian zones, or rock outcrops.
Gaurotes
Gaurotes is a genus of longhorn beetles in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Lepturinae. The genus contains approximately 25 described species distributed across the Holarctic region, with notable diversity in East Asia and North America. Species are typically small to medium-sized beetles with metallic coloration. The genus was established by LeConte in 1850 and includes several subgenera: Carilia, Gaurotes (sensu stricto), and Paragaurotes.
Lampetis
Eyed Jewel Beetles
Lampetis is a large genus of jewel beetles (Buprestidae) comprising nearly 300 species worldwide. Adults are typically large, conspicuous beetles with brilliant metallic coloration. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning North America, South America, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Larval biology remains poorly known for most species, with development suspected to occur in living wood below the soil line—a habit that explains the rarity of larval discoveries.
Lebia
colorful foliage ground beetles, flat ground beetles
Lebia is a large genus of predatory ground beetles (Carabidae) comprising over 700 species in 17 subgenera with worldwide distribution. Members are frequently encountered on foliage and flowers, where their often brilliant metallic coloration makes them conspicuous despite small to medium size. The genus is notable within Carabidae for including species with parasitoid larval stages, a rare life history strategy among ground beetles. Adults are active predators of small insects, while larvae of at least some species are obligate parasitoids of beetle prepupae.
Malachiini
Malachiini is a large tribe of soft-winged flower beetles in the family Melyridae, containing approximately 15 genera and at least 70 described species. Members of this tribe are characterized by their soft, flexible elytra and frequent association with flowers. The tribe was established by Fleming in 1821 and has a broad distribution with notable diversity in the Mediterranean region.
Pelidnota
Precious Metal Scarabs
Pelidnota is a genus of scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, containing over 180 described species. Members are commonly known as Precious Metal Scarabs. The genus is restricted to the Neotropics. Beetles in this genus are generally robust and often exhibit metallic coloration.
Rutelini
shining leaf chafers
Rutelini is a tribe of scarab beetles commonly known as shining leaf chafers, distinguished by their often metallic or iridescent coloration. The tribe comprises approximately 14 genera and at least 40 described species, with notable genera including Chrysina (jewel scarabs), Pelidnota, and Macraspis. Members are primarily distributed in the New World tropics and subtropics. Many species exhibit striking structural coloration and have been subjects of taxonomic revision due to their morphological diversity and conservation interest.
Saprinini
Saprinini is a tribe of clown beetles (Histeridae) characterized by small to medium body size, often with metallic coloration and reduced elytral striae. Members are primarily associated with decaying organic matter and carrion, where they prey on fly larvae and other insects. The tribe is cosmopolitan in distribution and contains numerous genera, including the widespread *Saprinus* and *Euspilotus*.