Jewel beetles (Buprestidae)

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References for Jewel Beetles (family Buprestidae): https://sites.google.com/site/buprestidpages/

And a photo gallery for the family: https://sites.google.com/site/buprestidpages/buprestidae-gallery

This gallery can be searched by genus, for example, Castiarina:

https://sites.google.com/site/buprestidpages/castiarina-gallery

Another good gallery for Castiarina: http://www.virtual-beetle.com/castiarinafp.html

Jewel beetles (Buprestidae)

Moderators

MichaelMulvaney

AlisonMilton

Amata

DiBickers

Harrisi

MarkH

entom2

KylieWaldon

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Discussion

entom2 wrote:

12 min ago

Hi Michael, hi Mark, I propose Melobasis sp., possibly Melobasis thoracicus due to the purplish colour. I propose it is at least in Melobasis, not being Ethonion as there is no deep sulcus (groove) whatsoever on the frons between the eyes (a deep sulcus on the frons is diagnostic for all species in Ethonion, a function of the bulbous shape of the eyes), and, though difficult to tell, not Diphucrania as there is no obvious carina on the pronotum laterally, such being present in Diphucrania, nor a shallow sulcus or depressed area between the eyes which is present in Diphucrania. In fact this specimen has no depressed area between the eyes at all. Also, the broad frons (space between the eyes at the front of the head) and which appears to be without a depression and is either flattened or even slightly convex also suggests Melobasis. Happy to be corrected of course. Try to find other specimens, and if you find any try to take some pics looking straight above the specimen if you can. Cheers! Allen M. Sundholm.

Buprestidae sp. (family)

MarkH wrote:

11 hrs ago

It’s definitely a Buprestid and , being on Dillwynia, is likely to be either a Melobasis, Diphucrania or Ethonion. I would lean towards a Diphucrania at this stage however without better pictures it may have to remain a mystery

Buprestidae sp. (family)

Harrisi wrote:

1 Oct 2025

Couldn't agree more, thanks Allen!

Ethonion reichei

entom2 wrote:

1 Oct 2025

Given the disparity of specimens which are patently different species attributed in iNat etc to this species, the disjunct distributions of their known populations (which may be a function of localised collecting effort), and importantly the lack of a comprehensive modern revision (requiring careful comparison with types), I would not be surprised if maculate-patterned species such as this prove to comprise several species. Let's hope that some competent person (or persons) will engage in the long-overdue revision of this interesting genus sooner than later. Cheers, Allen M. Sundholm.

Ethonion reichei

HelenCross wrote:

23 Sep 2025

Will do, thanks Mark

Castiarina parallela