A sulphurous jewel beetle on an Acacia branch
Holding on! Crawling a branch like a soldier doing rope maneuvers
This beetle was positioning itself on a dry thorny branch
Its truly a close encounter, when the beetle is up your sleeve
Close up shot revealing the amazing dorsal patterns on its elytra
Out of the branch, on top of a rock
A pitted beetle, Adesmia cancellata on the move
Caught in the Act! A pair of Eleven Spotted Ladybeetles
I was on my way back from a day of project meetings in Fujairah when I decided to do a quick leg stretch and nature expedition stop over at the Wadi Sahm, before I embark on the full long drive back to Dubai. It was late afternoon with just over an hour left before sunset that I explored the wadi and began to search for awesome things! Indeed, it was awesome, I encountered awesome beetles, the Sulphurous Jewel Beetle, (Julodius euphratica), the Pitted Beetle (Adesmia cancellata) and a pair of Eleven-Spotted Ladybeetles (Coccinella undecimpunctata). It was a wonderful afternoon with the beetles!
Sulphurous Jewel Beetles, Julodius euphratica (BUPRESTIDAE)
These torpedo-shaped, large beetles (29-31mm) have extremely hard, thickly armored (sclerotized) bodies surrounded with bright yellow wax-coated setae (hairs). They posses large eyes and serrated antennae. The larvae are white-colored, legless grubs with strong mandibles.
Distribution of Sulphurous Jewel Beetles
These Jewel Beetles are very common in the UAE mostly found in Acacia trees. They are reported to be distributed and reported to be present in the Middle East and Central Asia Region.
Biodynamics Notes
The larvae are mainly wood borers, dwelling and feeding on the inner portions of Acacia trees and other shrubs. Pupation is also undertaken inside their home tree and prior to their emergence as adults they bore an exit hole. These jewel beetles have one of the longest larval duration reaching 9 months up to 35 years as a wood boring beetle grub before it emerge as an adult! (The young grubs are enjoying the inner wooden chambers too much).
Adults beetles are nectar and sap feeders. They are often noticed flying and crawling around Acacia branches and flowering plants. They have a very short lifespan of about 1-2 weeks.
TAKE NOTE: These awesome beetles are not harmful and non aggressive to humans. Despite their large size they do not bite!
Super enjoy the color patterns on their bodies. These Sulphurous Jewel Beetles are truly awesome!
Bonus Beetle Encounters
I encountered several Pitted Beetles (Adesmia cancellata) tirelessly moving along the wadi. Please check out my March 30, 2021 article for more info on this amazing beetle.
The Spring has also brought a pair of Eleven Spotted Ladybird beetles (Coccinella undecimpunctata) in the mood for an afternoon delight. It was fun to catch these amorous pair red handed busy in their passionate act.
The afternoon stopover at Wadi Sahm. Fujairah proved to be truly an awesome adventure, will definitely come back again to explore longer and search out for more awesome creature encounters.
Awesome creatures! Awesome CREATOR!
Thanks for your support and careful attention.
If you need Pest Management Training, Technical Field Support, On-Line and On-Site Consultancy, please feel free to send me an email: odelon.reyes@gmail.com
