Splendid Jewel Beetle vs Plantain Gall Weevil

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Splendid Jewel Beetle Plantain Gall Weevil
Scientific Name Buprestis splendens Mecinus pyraster
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Buprestidae Curculionidae
Size 15-21 mm 3-4 mm
Habitat Forests Grasslands
Diet Wood Feeders Gall Makers
Regions Southern Europe Europe
Conservation Critically Endangered Least Concern

Splendid Jewel Beetle

A spectacularly metallic green and gold jewel beetle found only in old-growth forests. Develops in ancient pine trees. One of Europe's rarest beetles due to loss of old-growth forest.

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Did You Know?

Requires pine trees over 200 years old to complete its development, making ancient forests essential for survival.

Plantain Gall Weevil

A small cylindrical weevil that causes stem galls on plantain. Larvae develop inside swollen plant stems. An inconspicuous but very common species.

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Did You Know?

Causes distinctive swellings on plantain stems that are easy to find even when the tiny weevil itself is not visible.