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Chrysochroa fulgidissima
Japanese beetle with iridescent rainbow wings. Famous for ancient 'Tamamushi Shrine' decoration. Adults eat hackberry leaves. Declining in urban areas.
The jewel beetle (Chrysochroa fulgidissima) is a beautiful Japanese beetle of the family Buprestidae with iridescent wings. Its metallic sheen shifts between green and red depending on the angle of light, and it has long been used in decoration, famously in the Tamamushi Shrine at Horyu-ji Temple. Adults appear in summer and feed on leaves of trees such as hackberry and zelkova. In recent years urban habitat loss has made it less commonly seen. In captivity, securing the host tree leaves is important, with a bright, warm environment provided. Its vivid color persists even in dried specimens, making it a prized, beautiful insect native to Japan.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Origin
Japan and East Asia
Lifespan
Adult 1-2 months / Larva 2-3 years
Size
30-41mm
Temperature
22〜28℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Hackberry leaves (adult) / Dead wood (larva)
Mesh cage. Add hackberry branches
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Accepted name: Chrysochroa fulgidissima (Schönherr, 1817)
Synonyms: Buprestis elegans Thunberg, 1789, Buprestis fulgida Olivier, 1790, Buprestis fulgidissima Schönherr, 1817, Chrysochroa coeruleocephala Motschulsky, 1861, Chrysochroa elegans (Thunberg, 1789), Chrysochroa fulgida (Olivier, 1790)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
ヤマトタマムシ Chrysochroa fulgidissima(タマムシ科)。CITES 非掲載。
Sources: CITES 附属書(checklist.cites.org)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Fresh hackberry leaves essential. Hard to substitute
Lay eggs in dead hackberry. Larval stage 2-3 years long
Active during day. High temps shorten lifespan
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Japanese Jewel Beetle is 22〜28℃. Recommended humidity is 50〜70%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Japanese Jewel Beetle is Adult 1-2 months / Larva 2-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Japanese Jewel Beetle typically reaches 30-41mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Japanese Jewel Beetle feeds on: Hackberry leaves (adult) / Dead wood (larva). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Japanese Jewel Beetle varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 23, 2026