From Food to Art

Globe decorated with Jewel Beetles
Photo: Andrea Paoletti

Sculpture Jan Fabre incorporates Jewel Beetles into many of his works of art such as the globe pictured at left. Jewel Beetles have a captivating iridescence that adds color and sparkle. The color is not constant but changes with the viewing angle.

Jewel Beetles, both larvae and adults,  are commonly consumed as food in parts of Asia and Africa. The larva is consumed whole, but only the fleshy parts of the adults are consumed. The remainder of the adult body is discarded including the iridescent cuticle. The cuticle is collected and marketed to artists and jewelers. The Jewel Beetles provide a medium and a look that is difficult to mimic. The cuticle of Jewel Beetles, especially the wings, resists degradation and will still be appealing to people many generations in the future.