Emerald Swallowtail Butterfly
As expected, a butterfly earns a spot on this list! The emerald swallowtail stands out with its shimmering green wings, which can also reflect blue and yellow hues. Beneath, the wings showcase a striking black and orange pattern, providing an extra layer of visual appeal. This species belongs to the swallowtail butterfly family and is among the largest in the world. However, you won’t spot it fluttering around your backyard—these beauties call Southeast Asia their home.
Jewel Beetles
Known scientifically as Buprestidae, jewel beetles are renowned for their dazzling, metallic colors. The vivid iridescence of these beetles makes them a favorite among insect collectors. In some Asian cultures, their glossy elytra (wing covers) have been traditionally incorporated into jewelry and clothing decorations. Unlike many colorful insects, these beetles can be found in the U.S.—so you might just encounter one close to home! And if you do, at least these beetles will bring a bit of sparkle to your garden.
Flame Skimmer Dragonfly
This dragonfly earns its name from its fiery colors. Male flame skimmers sport deep orange or red tones on their body, legs, wing veins, and even their eyes. These robust dragonflies have a chubby abdomen and range from two to three inches in length. If you’re hoping to spot one, head to western North America, where they thrive. However, if you live in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware, you might need to travel west to catch a glimpse of these striking insects.
Blue-striped Nettle Grub Caterpillar
Also called Parasa lepida, this caterpillar’s bright green color with a blue stripe down its back makes it a vivid sight. Some might call it the “Iridescent Green Caterpillar” because of its luminous body. However, despite its beauty, it’s considered a pest for the damage it causes to trees. This caterpillar resides across the Indo-Malayan region, including countries like India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Its eye-catching colors may attract attention, but those managing forests and gardens see it in a different light.
Orchid Mantis
The orchid mantis is an exquisite insect with a body resembling a blooming orchid flower. Its stunning appearance is not just for show—it helps the mantis blend in with flowers to ambush prey and avoid predators. Amazingly, this mantis can shift between shades of pink and brown to adapt to its environment. You won’t find this beauty in your backyard—it’s native to Malaysia, where it thrives among tropical plants.
Picasso Bug
With its intricate patterns and bold colors, the Picasso bug (Sphaerocoris annulus) looks like it was painted by a master artist. This member of the shield-backed bug family (Scutelleridae) has a striking design that makes it stand out in the natural world. The Picasso bug is native to sub-Saharan and northeastern Africa, including countries like South Africa, Ethiopia, and Cameroon. These bugs use their sharp, straw-like proboscis to suck juices from plants, while their young spend time feeding on flowers until they mature.
Frog-legged Leaf Beetle
The frog-legged leaf beetle (Sagra buqueti) is named for its impressive, frog-like hind legs, which give it an unusual look. These beetles shine with vivid metallic colors that range from greens to blues. They love snacking on fruits, especially bananas and apples, but their larvae exclusively feed on a specific type of vine native to their habitat. Found throughout Cambodia, India, China, Thailand, and Vietnam, these beetles have been a challenge for scientists to breed in captivity, making them a rare treasure to encounter.Appreciate Nature's Colorful Creations
From dazzling butterflies to beetles that look like jewels, these insects remind us how vibrant and diverse nature can be. Some of them may not always be welcome guests due to their habits, but their beauty is undeniable. If you ever spot one, take a moment to appreciate the incredible artistry that nature offers.
As expected, a butterfly earns a spot on this list! The emerald swallowtail stands out with its shimmering green wings, which can also reflect blue and yellow hues. Beneath, the wings showcase a striking black and orange pattern, providing an extra layer of visual appeal. This species belongs to the swallowtail butterfly family and is among the largest in the world. However, you won’t spot it fluttering around your backyard—these beauties call Southeast Asia their home.
Jewel BeetlesKnown scientifically as Buprestidae, jewel beetles are renowned for their dazzling, metallic colors. The vivid iridescence of these beetles makes them a favorite among insect collectors. In some Asian cultures, their glossy elytra (wing covers) have been traditionally incorporated into jewelry and clothing decorations. Unlike many colorful insects, these beetles can be found in the U.S.—so you might just encounter one close to home! And if you do, at least these beetles will bring a bit of sparkle to your garden.
Flame Skimmer DragonflyThis dragonfly earns its name from its fiery colors. Male flame skimmers sport deep orange or red tones on their body, legs, wing veins, and even their eyes. These robust dragonflies have a chubby abdomen and range from two to three inches in length. If you’re hoping to spot one, head to western North America, where they thrive. However, if you live in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware, you might need to travel west to catch a glimpse of these striking insects.
Blue-striped Nettle Grub CaterpillarAlso called Parasa lepida, this caterpillar’s bright green color with a blue stripe down its back makes it a vivid sight. Some might call it the “Iridescent Green Caterpillar” because of its luminous body. However, despite its beauty, it’s considered a pest for the damage it causes to trees. This caterpillar resides across the Indo-Malayan region, including countries like India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Its eye-catching colors may attract attention, but those managing forests and gardens see it in a different light.
Orchid MantisThe orchid mantis is an exquisite insect with a body resembling a blooming orchid flower. Its stunning appearance is not just for show—it helps the mantis blend in with flowers to ambush prey and avoid predators. Amazingly, this mantis can shift between shades of pink and brown to adapt to its environment. You won’t find this beauty in your backyard—it’s native to Malaysia, where it thrives among tropical plants.
Picasso BugWith its intricate patterns and bold colors, the Picasso bug (Sphaerocoris annulus) looks like it was painted by a master artist. This member of the shield-backed bug family (Scutelleridae) has a striking design that makes it stand out in the natural world. The Picasso bug is native to sub-Saharan and northeastern Africa, including countries like South Africa, Ethiopia, and Cameroon. These bugs use their sharp, straw-like proboscis to suck juices from plants, while their young spend time feeding on flowers until they mature.
Frog-legged Leaf BeetleThe frog-legged leaf beetle (Sagra buqueti) is named for its impressive, frog-like hind legs, which give it an unusual look. These beetles shine with vivid metallic colors that range from greens to blues. They love snacking on fruits, especially bananas and apples, but their larvae exclusively feed on a specific type of vine native to their habitat. Found throughout Cambodia, India, China, Thailand, and Vietnam, these beetles have been a challenge for scientists to breed in captivity, making them a rare treasure to encounter.Appreciate Nature's Colorful Creations
From dazzling butterflies to beetles that look like jewels, these insects remind us how vibrant and diverse nature can be. Some of them may not always be welcome guests due to their habits, but their beauty is undeniable. If you ever spot one, take a moment to appreciate the incredible artistry that nature offers.
