Buprestis lyrata

Pink-faced jewel beetle

Family: Buprestidae · Class: Insecta · Order: Coleoptera

The pink-faced jewel beetle (Buprestis lyrata) is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. This species belongs to the subgenus Buprestis (Buprestis) and represents one of the numerous species within the diverse genus Buprestis found in North America. Like other jewel beetles, B. lyrata likely displays the characteristic metallic luster typical of the family, though detailed morphological descriptions for this species remain limited in readily available literature. The range and distribution of Buprestis lyrata within California and broader North America have not been well documented in accessible scientific literature. The species appears in federal taxonomic databases maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, indicating its recognition as a valid taxon within the North American fauna, but specific geographic distribution data is not readily available through standard biodiversity databases. Habitat requirements for B. lyrata have not been thoroughly documented in the available literature. As a member of the Buprestidae, this species likely follows the general life history pattern of jewel beetles, with larvae developing as wood borers in dead or stressed woody plant material. Adult jewel beetles typically emerge during warmer months and may be found on or near their host plants, where they feed on foliage, nectar, or pollen depending on the species. The ecology and behavior of B. lyrata remain poorly understood. Most buprestid beetles undergo complete metamorphosis, with eggs laid on or near suitable host material. Larvae bore through wood or bark, creating characteristic galleries as they develop. The larval stage often represents the longest portion of the life cycle, potentially lasting one to several years depending on species and environmental conditions. Adults are typically active during daylight hours and may be attracted to flowers or fresh cut wood. Buprestis lyrata currently holds no federal conservation status under the Endangered Species Act, nor does it appear on state endangered species lists. The species has not been assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and no specific conservation concerns have been documented in available literature. However, the lack of detailed ecological information makes it difficult to assess the species' true conservation status or population trends. Scientific documentation for this species remains extremely limited despite thorough searches of federal databases and biodiversity resources. The information presented here is based on taxonomic placement within federal databases and general knowledge of buprestid beetle ecology. Detailed studies of B. lyrata's distribution, host plant relationships, life history, and conservation status are lacking. If you have additional verified information about this species' biology, distribution, or ecology, please contact us to help improve this species account.

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, and more.