Jewel beetle

General introduction.
Systematic classification.
Identification.
Distribution.
Physical features.
Habit and habitat.
Diet choice.
Life cycle.
Special behavior & defenses.
Cultural significance.
Economic importance.

1. JEWEL BEETLE

2. General introduction. Systematic classification. Identification. Distribution. Physical features. Habit and habitat. Diet choice. Life cycle. Special behavior & defenses. Cultural significance. Economic importance. SYNOPSIS P

3. GENERAL INTRODUCTION Jewel beetle are often brilliantly colored, and always have some iridescence ( usually on their underside). Members of the family BUPRESTIDAE develop in plants, so they are also called metallic wood borers or flat headed borers. The emeraid ash borer a non-native invasive species responsible for killing millions of ash trees in north america , it is likely the most known member of this beetle family. The metallic gleaming color of jewel beetle is mesmerizing though little is known about the life and musing of these little gems.

4. SYSTEMATIC CLASSIFICATION KINGDOM  ANIMALIA PHYLUM  ARTHOPODA SUB-PHYLUM  UNIRAMIA CLASS  INSECTA ORDER  COLEOPTERA SUB-ORDER  POLYPHAGA SUPER- FAMILY  BUPRESTOIDEA FAMILY  BUPRESTIDAE GENUS  SPECIES 

5. IDENTIFICATION Jewel beetle are often brightly coloured , with some species having a metallic sheen that makes them popular with collectors . DISTRIBUTION Jewel beetle are found throuhout australia . Unidentified species from pune (India). Fossil jewel beetle from the eocone (Germany).

6. PHYSICAL FEATURES Size range  3mm-75mm. Shape is generally cylindrical or elongate to ovoid. The iridescence common to these beetles is not due to pigments in the exoskeleton, but instead is caused by structural coloration, in which microscopic texture in their cuticle selectively reflects specific frequencies of light in particular directions this is the same effect that makes a compact disc, reflect multiple colores . ANTENNA  Beetle have a pair of antenna on the head used as sensors. HEAD  The head Is consist of insect’s eye, antenna, mandibles.

7. THORAX  Holds the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs. ELYTRON  One of two wing cases on a beetle that protects its wings. WINGS Appendages caused for flying and kept under the elytra until needed. ABDOMEN Houses organs related to circulation, reproduction and excretion. LEGS Beetles have three pairs of legs located at the thorax, numbering six legs in all.

8. HABIT AND HABITAT Jewel beetle live in forests and woodland, heath. Many are found In the sydney region and can be seen feeding on flying around flowers in heaths and woodlands. The larvae live in the wood or more rarely soften plant stems, with some species feeding in dry leaves. As with roundheaded borers, most feeding occur in dying or dead trees or close to injurious or living trees. DIET Adult jewel beetle mainly feed on plant foliage or nectar, although some species feed on pollen and can be observed visiting flowers. Jewel beetle larvae feed on the sapwood of trees and shrubs. Some BUPRESTID larvae are leaf miners, and a few are gallmakers .

9. LIFE-CYCLE Like all beetle, jewel beetle undergo complete metamorphosis with four life-cycle stages  egg, larva, pupa & adult. Female buprestid adults usually deposit eggs on the host tree, in the crevices of bark. When the larvae hatch, they immediately tunnel into the tree, the larvae bore winding galleries in the wood as they feed and grow, and eventually pupate within the tree. Adults emerge and exit the tree.

10. SPECIAL BEHAVIOR & DEFENSES Some jewel beetle can delay their emergence in certain condition, such as when the host tree is harvested and milled. Jewel beetles sometimes emerge from wood products, such as flooring or furniture, years after the wood was harvested. The longest known record of delayed emergence is of adult that emerged a full 51 years after the initial infestation occurred.

11. CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE Many buprestids are serious pests and cause extensive damage to timber & other crop plants, introduced species such as EMERALD ASH BORER ( Agrilus planipennis ) introduced to the midwestern , can be particularly devastating. In contrast the elytra of some species have traditionally been used in making spectacular beetle wing jewelry and decoration in several countries.

12. ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE Many beetles are regarded as major pests of agricultural plants and stored products. They attack all parts of living plants as well as processed fibres , grains & wood products. They are herbivore, larvae are known as falt -head wood borer, some species are forestry pests.

13. THANK YOU