Probably the largest jewel beetle of all is the

Giant Ceiba Borer Euchroma gigantea from tropical

South and Central America and the Caribbean,

which has been reported at over 3 in (8 cm). For

such a large species, Euchroma gigantea is surprisingly

common and widespread, being found frequently

in towns and cities in gardens or breeding in street

trees. Specimens have even been found washed up

in the surf on the famous Copacabana Beach in

(caused by the reflection of light rather than

pigment) do not fade easily. Along with

the similar genus Sternocera (Julodinae),

members of the genera Chrysochroa and

Megaloxantha have been used in Asian art,

decoration, and costume design, and there

are examples of Indian dresses decorated

with elaborate patterns made from

buprestid elytra

opposite | Polybothris sumptuosa gema

Stunningly colored from Madagascar,

this is one of numerous species of

Polybothris found only on this island.

Rio de Janeiro, having flown into the sea. Although

called Ceiba Borer after a genus of tropical trees,

Euchroma develops in a wide range of wood. Larvae

can be up to 6 in (15 cm) in length, and adults can

be seen sunning themselves on logs. The largest

Asian genus of Chrysochroinae is Megaloxantha, and

this includes several species of metallic green and

yellow beetles—although almost as long as Euchroma,

they are more delicate.

left | Megaloxantha bicolor

This specimen photographed

in Laos is one of the largest

Asian jewel beetles. Some

Megaloxantha can reach

lengths of 2¾ in (7 cm).

below | Euchroma gigantea

The largest jewel beetle

occurs throughout the

neotropics and remains

common. This one is from

French Guiana.