The beautiful insects shown in the video are beetles of the genus Chrysina and, with their golden, metallic color, they are often compared to living jewelsso much so that in English they are called “jewel scarabs”, i.e. jewel beetles.
THE beetles (order Coleoptera) are one of the largest and most diverse groups in the animal kingdom. The name of this group comes from Greek and means “sheathed wings”, referring to the first pair of hardened wings, called elytrawhich protect the delicate hind wings used for flight and the abdomen.
The family Scarabaeidae, to which the genus belongs Chrysinaincludes over 35,000 known speciesincluding many beetles famous for their appearance, as well as their ecological importance.
Beetles of the genus Chrysina they generally measure between 20 and 35 millimeters in length and their most distinctive feature is certainly their metallic colour, which can vary depending on the species from green to blue, to red and, in particular, to golden. This color is due to special microscopic structures on the surface of the elytra which reflect the light in such a way as to create the iridescent effect.
These insects are mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas: they are particularly common in Mexico and the rest of Central America, but some species are also present in the northern part of South America.
They prefer forest environments, often living in the canopies of trees where they can find abundant food resources in the form of leaves. During the day, they tend to remain hidden to avoid predators, while at night they become more active.
Despite their showy appearance, beetles of the genus Chrysina they are not dangerous for humans: they are not poisonous or aggressive, they do not represent a threat to human health nor are they considered pests for crops. On the contrary, they are often admired by entomologists and insect enthusiasts for their beauty.
However, as with all wildlife, it is important respect them and observe them at a suitable distance, without disturbing or damaging them. furthermore, it is essential to preserve their natural habitat, to allow future generations to admire them too real jewels of the natural world.
