AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Chrysina macropus
Jewel scarab
Franc, 1871
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Chrysina macropus is notable for its exoskeleton with an intense metallic sheen, often emerald green or silver, which gives it its common name. It is a robust, smooth-bodied beetle.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Julia Trouin
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Arthropoda
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Insecta
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Coleoptera
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Scarabaeidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Chrysina
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Franc, 1871
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Summer
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits mainly temperate and cloud forests at medium altitudes, preferring areas with high humidity and dense tree vegetation.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Primarily nocturnal, attracted to artificial light sources.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary outside of mating season.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Phytophagous, specialized in tree foliage.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Primary consumer that feeds on tree leaves.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Sexual reproduction with direct copulation on host trees.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
2.5 - 3.5 cm
Weight (Grams)
2 g - 5 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.10 - 30
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
30 - 60
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males1 - 2 Years
Females1 - 2 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males often have more robust hind femora.
Females Multi-lang
Females tend to be slightly larger but with less developed limbs.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Iridescent coloration that acts as disruptive camouflage among bright foliage.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat loss due to deforestation and illegal collection by enthusiasts due to its high aesthetic value.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Its legs are adapted with elongated tarsal claws to hold firmly onto the leaves of the plants it feeds on.