Iridescent jewel beetle Agrilus scottoi in Cameroon rainforest

Unveiling the Camouflage: A New Jewel Beetle Species Discovered

Lena Kashyap in Science & Nature August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Deep in the forests of Cameroon, scientists have identified a unique Agrilus beetle, adding another piece to the puzzle of global biodiversity."

The world of entomology is ever-evolving, with new species constantly being discovered, challenging existing classifications and broadening our understanding of the natural world. One such recent discovery involves a striking new species of jewel beetle from the heart of Cameroon, named Agrilus scottoi.

This jewel beetle belongs to the family Buprestidae, known for its members' vibrant, metallic colors and intricate patterns. Agrilus beetles, in particular, are a diverse group, and identifying new species within this genus requires careful examination and comparison with existing classifications. The discovery of Agrilus scottoi not only enriches our knowledge of insect biodiversity but also raises interesting questions about its evolutionary relationships and ecological role.

The identification and classification of this new species were conducted by entomologists Gianfranco Curletti and Angelo Dutto, whose meticulous work sheds light on the distinctive features that set Agrilus scottoi apart. This article will delve into the details of this discovery, highlighting the key characteristics of the beetle, the challenges in classifying it, and the broader implications for biodiversity research.

Deciphering the Distinguishing Features of Agrilus scottoi

Iridescent jewel beetle Agrilus scottoi in Cameroon rainforest

Agrilus scottoi exhibits a unique combination of traits that prompted its classification as a new species. The beetle measures approximately 10.3 mm in length and features a predominantly black dorsal surface adorned with distinctive yellow spots on its pronotum, elytra, and lateroterga. These spots create a striking contrast against the dark background, adding to the beetle's visual appeal.

One of the key features that sets Agrilus scottoi apart is the presence of a long, pointed process at the apex of its last visible tergite. This characteristic is typically associated with the subgenus Nigritius, as defined by Curletti in 1998. However, the presence of elytral spots and apical spines introduces complexities, as these traits are more commonly found in the subgenus Pantherina.

The unique combination of characteristics in Agrilus scottoi includes:

Black dorsal surface with yellow spots
Long, pointed process on the last visible tergite
Elytral spots and apical spines
Metallic gold legs

The legs of Agrilus scottoi are metallic gold, and all claws are bifid, with the internal tooth being shorter than the external one. The metatarsus is longer than the metatibia, and the tarsal formulae are 1>2+3+4 and 2>3+4. The aedeagus is strongly sclerotized, parallel, slender, and thin, with an acute apex on the median lobe. All these characteristics, when taken together, paint a clear picture of a distinct species within the Agrilus genus.

The Broader Significance of Biodiversity Discoveries

The discovery of Agrilus scottoi underscores the critical importance of ongoing biodiversity research, particularly in under-explored regions like Cameroon. Identifying and classifying new species not only expands our scientific knowledge but also informs conservation efforts. Each species plays a unique role in its ecosystem, and understanding these roles is essential for maintaining ecological balance and resilience.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.11646/zootaxa.4341.3.7, Alternate LINK

Title: Agrilus (Nigritius) Scottoi N. Sp. From Cameroun (Coleoptera, Buprestidae)

Subject: Animal Science and Zoology

Journal: Zootaxa

Publisher: Magnolia Press

Authors: Gianfranco Curletti, Angelo Dutto

Published: 2017-11-01

Everything You Need To Know

Where was Agrilus scottoi discovered, and who were the entomologists that identified it?

Agrilus scottoi is a newly discovered species of jewel beetle identified in Cameroon. It belongs to the Agrilus genus within the Buprestidae family, known for their vibrant colors. The discovery was made by entomologists Gianfranco Curletti and Angelo Dutto, who identified Agrilus scottoi based on its unique combination of physical traits.

What are the distinguishing physical characteristics that set Agrilus scottoi apart from other Agrilus beetles?

Agrilus scottoi is unique due to its black dorsal surface adorned with yellow spots, a long, pointed process on its last visible tergite, elytral spots, apical spines, and metallic gold legs. Additionally, its claws are bifid, with the internal tooth being shorter than the external one. The metatarsus is longer than the metatibia, and the aedeagus is strongly sclerotized.

What challenges did entomologists face when classifying Agrilus scottoi, and why was its classification complex?

The classification of Agrilus scottoi presented challenges because it exhibits characteristics of both the Nigritius and Pantherina subgenera. Specifically, the long, pointed process on its last visible tergite is typical of Nigritius, while the presence of elytral spots and apical spines is more commonly found in Pantherina. This combination of traits required careful examination and comparison to existing classifications.

Why is the discovery of a new species like Agrilus scottoi significant in the context of biodiversity and conservation?

Discovering new species like Agrilus scottoi underscores the importance of biodiversity research, especially in under-explored regions. Each species contributes uniquely to its ecosystem, and understanding these roles is crucial for conservation efforts and maintaining ecological balance. These discoveries also enrich our understanding of insect taxonomy and evolutionary relationships.

How might the discovery of Agrilus scottoi influence conservation efforts and policies in Cameroon and beyond?

The discovery of Agrilus scottoi impacts conservation by highlighting the need to protect the unique habitats in regions like Cameroon. Understanding the specific ecological role of Agrilus scottoi is crucial for effective conservation strategies. Furthermore, as the discovery of Agrilus scottoi helps to complete the taxonomy of the insect world, It could also help to inform global conservation policies and resource allocation.