Jewel Beetle
About the Jewel Beetle
Their iridescent metallic colors come from structural properties of their exoskeleton, not pigment. They have been used in jewelry and embroidery for centuries - beetlewing art dates back to ancient Egypt. Some species can detect forest fires from 80 km away using infrared-sensitive sensors on their body and fly toward the heat to lay eggs in freshly burned wood. Over 15,000 species described, making them one of the largest beetle families. Their glossy shells inspired metalwork and automotive paint finishes.
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