AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Plusiotis resplendens
Golden Scarab Beetle
Boucard, 1875
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A beetle of unparalleled beauty, famous for its exoskeleton that exhibits an intense and uniform metallic golden iridescence. Its body is oval and convex, with a highly polished surface that reflects its surroundings like a mirror. The legs and antennae show a darker coloration, contrasting with the golden sheen of the pronotum and elytra. It is a biological structure optimized for light reflection.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
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.Plusiotis
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Boucard, 1875
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.
Unknown
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Wet Season
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
Species endemic to the highlands of Central America, inhabiting mainly the cloud forests and humid montane forests of Costa Rica and Panama. It prefers environments with high humidity and cool temperatures, where the broad-leaved trees that serve as its main food source are found.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is a nocturnal beetle that is strongly attracted to artificial lights. During the day, it takes refuge among the tree foliage. Its life cycle is poorly understood, but it is believed that larvae develop in the forest floor, feeding on decaying organic matter or roots, while adults consume leaves of various tree species.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary, except during brief periods of congregation for mating on specific host trees. They do not show social behavior or parental care.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Polyphagous: Adults feed mainly on leaves of broad-leaved trees. The larvae likely consume organic detritus and roots in the soil.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
As larvae, they contribute to the decomposition of organic matter in the forest floor, recycling essential nutrients. Adults, being polyphagous, can interact with various plants, although they are not primary pollinators. They represent a food source for nocturnal predators such as owls, bats, and large arthropods.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Courtship usually occurs at night. Males use their sense of smell to detect pheromones emitted by females over long distances. Egg-laying occurs in the forest floor substrate, where larvae spend most of their development before pupating.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).
2 - 3
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males1 Years
Females1 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males tend to be slightly larger and possess elytra with a more pronounced iridescence. They often exhibit more developed structures on the head or pronotum (such as small horns or bumps) that they use in interactions with other males.
Females Multi-lang
Females possess a more robust morphology, especially in the abdomen, which is necessary for egg storage. Their sheen is just as impressive but the body shape is generally more rounded.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Optical Properties of the Exoskeleton: Its golden sheen is the result of a microscopic arrangement of layers in the cuticle that reflect light selectively, possibly as a defense mechanism to confuse predators in the dappled environment of light and shadow in the forest.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat destruction: The loss of pristine cloud forests due to agricultural expansion and climate change threatens the survival of this highly specialized species.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Collecting: Due to its unique aesthetic appearance, it is a highly coveted species in the entomological collecting market, which has led to capture pressures in specific areas.