Buprestidae sp. (family)

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I don’t think this is a Melobasis. The shape doesn’t look right. I can’t think of anything immediately that it would be so I suspect it may be a new genus. It resembles a Torresita however it doesn’t look right as Torresita doesn’t have the ridging on the elytra so I don’t think it is that genus.
Miranda, did you collect the specimen by chance? Is it possible to get some specimens for ANIC?
Interesting plant it is on. Do you know what that is ?

Wow! That's very exciting. I didn't collect it unfortunately but I'd be happy to help try and find some more. I think the plant is exocarpus strictus.

That would be fantastic Miranda. Good luck 🤞

We're comin' to getcha !

Hi Miranda, I agree with Mark. Closest to the genus Torresita, if not in that genus.

What would have been its length?

Certainly specimens need to be collected (if possible,,asap before the current season ends, else next season). Occurring on an Exocarpus is also interesting, so looking for more on Exocarpus could prove fruitful. Adults are likely to be (or may not be - who knows?) nectar feeders, so on sunny days also look on any flowers of plants that might still have some flower on them, mainly in Bursaria, Hakea, Grevillea, Leptospermum, and Eucalyptus. You are best to take a collecting net with you (else scoop the foliage or flowers you see one on into an upside umbrella and grab them very quickly before they fly off), and a number of screw-top pill jars with small holes punched in the lids, or small takeaway sauce containers (no need for holes in those, their lids don't seal). Place a bit of dry twig or very dry leaf in each container as well so the specimens have something to grab onto, else there is a risk that they chew their own legs and antennae off.

As well as specimens for the ANIC, like you, I would also love to photograph this species alive. If interested, please check out the book on Australian Jewel Beetles that I am a co-author of, chock full of my pics of live jewel beetles that I have photographed since 1980: https://www.publish.csiro.au/book/8110/

I note the observation site is within Koscuiszko National Park. While the species may occur outside of the park, if interested, I can authorise you to collect for me within the national park as I am the holder of a current scientific licence to collect in all National Parks, Nature Reserves and the like in NSW, and have the ability to authorise people to collect on my behalf.

Good hunting Miranda!

Cheers,
Allen M. Sundholm OAM

It’s not a Melobasis Kimberi. See comment trail.

Hi Miranda, just a reminder for this coming February to try and find another specimen (or more!) of this beetle. As part of the new Buprestid project at ANIC we are doing a genetic review of all Australian genera. It would be fantastic to find this beetle again and describe it. Good luck !

Thanks Mark! Yes it's still on my radar - I went back a couple of times in Jan/Feb 2026 and didn't find it. I am planning to look again in 2027 - it's nice to have an excuse to get up there for a few days 😊

Excellent. If I’m over here at that time I’ll also have a look