Buprestidae (jewel beetles)

The jewel beetles (Buprestidae) are a very large family of very small to large species with beautiful glossy iridescent colors. Worldwide some 15,000 species in 450 genera have been scientifically described. The major centre of distribution is the tropical region. In Germany only 100 species are known to occur. The beetles are markedly thermophilic. In Germany many species are only found in relatively warm areas like the Upper-Rhine valley, where they reach the northern border of their distribution range. Adults and larvae are herbivorous and often strictly associated with their host plant.