Jewel Beetle (Golden Castiarina) vs Kentucky Cave Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Jewel Beetle (Golden Castiarina) Kentucky Cave Beetle
Scientific Name Castiarina aureola Darlingtonea kentuckensis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Buprestidae Carabidae
Size 8-14 mm 5-6 mm
Habitat Heathland Caves
Diet Wood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Australia, Oceania United States
Conservation Least Concern Vulnerable

Jewel Beetle (Golden Castiarina)

A dazzlingly coloured jewel beetle endemic to Australia, with a golden-yellow body adorned with dark markings. Australia's Castiarina genus is the most species-rich jewel beetle genus in the world.

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Did You Know?

There are over 500 described species of Castiarina, making it one of the most diverse beetle genera on Earth.

Kentucky Cave Beetle

A troglobitic ground beetle found in caves along Kentucky's Cumberland Plateau. It is eyeless with elongated appendages typical of cave life.

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Did You Know?

Populations in different caves show significant genetic isolation from one another.