Metallic Wood-boring Beetle vs Four-barred Swordtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Metallic Wood-boring Beetle Four-barred Swordtail
Scientific Name Buprestis rustica Protographium leosthenes
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Buprestidae Papilionidae
Size 14-22mm 6-7 cm wingspan
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Australia, Papua New Guinea
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Metallic Wood-boring Beetle

A robust bronze-green jewel beetle with subtle coppery reflections found in coniferous forests. Adults bask in strong sunlight on tree trunks.

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Did You Know?

Adults have been observed emerging from timber used in buildings up to 50 years after the wood was harvested.

Four-barred Swordtail

A distinctive swallowtail with translucent wings crossed by four dark bars and a long sword-like tail. It has a rapid, darting flight pattern.

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Did You Know?

Its nearly transparent wings make it extremely difficult to spot in dappled rainforest light.