Syazwani Hj Rosli
A rare species of beetle recently made a brief visit to a residence in Kota Batu.
Coloured a brilliant metallic green with black spots, the beetle is commonly known as the Jewel Bug or Lychee Shield-Backed Bug (Chrysocoris stolli).
Koo, the houseowner, told the Bulletin that she and her sister were amazed to see the little creature, because of its striking colour.
“It was around 12.30pm when we saw it on our main door. We quickly snapped some photos, but didn’t capture it, as it belongs to nature. This is just something that we want to share with other people,” she said.
The metallic shield bug belongs to the Scutelleridae family. These insects feed on plant juices from several different species, including some commercial crops.
Closely related to stink bugs, they may also produce an offensive odour when disturbed.
There are around 450 species worldwide.
