Buprestis, a genus of beetles, typical of a large family—Buprestidæ. Those occurring in warmer countries are conspicuous for lively colour and metallic sheen. Some of them are popularly known as Golden Beetles. B. gigas, found in Cayenne, is about 2 inches long. Some small species occur in England. The larvæ bore tunnels in wood. The adults are drawn from their hiding-places among plants by the warmth and brightness of the mid-day sun, with which their own vividness seems so markedly in harmony. The wing-cases of
some species are used to enrich the embroidery of the Indian zenana, and the joints of the legs are also strung into necklaces and bracelets.