Jewel Beetle vs California Timema

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Jewel Beetle California Timema
Scientific Name Chrysochroa fulgidissima Timema californicum
Order Coleoptera Phasmatodea
Family Buprestidae Timematidae
Size 30-41 mm 1.5-2.5 cm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Herbivores
Regions Asia United States (California)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Jewel Beetle

Prized for its iridescent metallic green and red-gold elytra. Used in traditional Japanese art called Tamamushi. The colors come from multilayer reflectors in their shell.

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Did You Know?

The jewel beetle can detect forest fires from 80 km away using infrared sensors on its thorax, as it lays eggs in freshly burned wood.

California Timema

A small green walking stick endemic to California. It is one of the most widespread Timema species on the Pacific coast.

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Did You Know?

The entire genus Timema is restricted to western North America and represents the most ancient lineage of living stick insects.