Steraspis squamosa
# Steraspis squamosa

Steraspis squamosa or the Middle Eastern jewel beetle is a beetle of the Buprestidae family.

## Description

Steraspis squamosa can reach a length of about 27–38 millimetres (1.1–1.5 in). These beetles usually have a metallic green or bluish color with orange margin along the edges of the elytra and a rugose surface. They primarily feed on Tamarix, Rhus tripartita and Acacia. They lay the eggs on tree branches and the caterpillars drill hatching holes in the trunk. At the end of the process the insect bursts the bark and a new life cycle begin. The full life cycle last two years. Adult beetles are active in Spring.

## Distribution

This species is present in the northern part of Africa, particularly from Red Sea, Sinai, Israel and Egypt to Syria, Mauritania, Algeria and Morocco.

## Subspecies

* Steraspis squamosa kindermanni Marseul, 1865
* Steraspis squamosa squamosa (Klug, 1829)

## Gallery

* Steraspis squamosa
* Steraspis squamosa from Syria, mounted specimen at National Museum (Prague)
* Steraspis squamosa
