Description

Beetle, Melobasis viridifrons, Jewel Beetle Papered Specimen.

You will receive the specimen shown, or one like it.  Specimens can vary somewhat in color and size.

These specimens are from Indonesia.

Family: Buprestidae (jewel or metallic wood-boring beetles).

The species name viridifrons suggests a “green forehead/face” (“viridi-” = green, “frons” = forehead).

• Like other jewel beetles, M. viridifrons is probably metallic or iridescent, possibly with bright colours or shiny surfaces. Jewel beetles are known for these visual traits.

• Adults in Melobasis often feed on flowers (especially of Acacia and other native plants) or on foliage.

• Larvae are likely wood-borers, tunneling under bark or into dead / dying wood, or in branches. This is typical for Buprestidae, and many Melobasis larvae make use of Acacia or related hosts.

• Beetle, Chrysobothris gratiosa, Jewel Beetle, also known as a Metallic Wood Boring Beetle Specimen