The Jewel Beetles are a Family of irridescent beetles, with over 15,000 different species. Their primary diet is wood, with the larvae chewing through the roots, leaves and logs of a variety of flora. Whilst they favour old and decaying wood, some species do significant damage to growing trees and are regarded an invasive pest. The adults of some species will drink nectar. The colour is attained not from pigmentation but from the reflective nature of the insect's exoskeleton. They are prized amongst insect collectors, with their elytra - the hardened forewings - being used in jewellery and decoration. This fellow is
Temognatha alternata from Queensland, Australia.
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