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Homescience

Meet Chrysina Limbata: The rare metallic beetle looks like a living mirror

Chrysina limbata, a rare beetle from Central America, stuns with its mirror-like shell. Its metallic sheen isn't paint but nature’s trick of light, making it a living, shining marvel.

Sheetal Kumari | August 06, 2025 / 15:47 IST
1/10
Mirror of Nature: Say hello to Chrysina limbata, the beetle whose shiny silver body reflects like an exact mirror. It's one of the world's shiniest insects. (Image: @ephemeral1107/X)
Mirror of Nature: Say hello to Chrysina limbata, the beetle whose shiny silver body reflects like an exact mirror. It's one of the world's shiniest insects. (Image: @ephemeral1107/X)
2/10
A Metallic Marvel: The shell of this beetle isn't silver-painted — its mirror appearance is due to microscopic layers that bounce light exactly. (Image: Michael Farmer/@gunsnrosesgirl3/X)
A Metallic Marvel: The shell of this beetle isn't silver-painted—its mirror appearance is due to microscopic layers that bounce light exactly. (Image: Michael Farmer/@gunsnrosesgirl3/X)
3/10
Found in the Rainforests: Chrysina limbata inhabits Central America's rainforests, particularly Costa Rica, keeping itself hidden among leaves. (Image: @FabulousWeird/X)
Found in the Rainforests: Chrysina limbata inhabits Central America's rainforests, particularly Costa Rica, keeping itself hidden among leaves. (Image: @FabulousWeird/X)
4/10
All Show: Its reflective shell is not all it seems — it's actually a brilliant example of camouflage, allowing it to merge with shiny rain-washed leaves. (Image: @7ayawaana/X)
All Show: Its reflective shell is not all it seems—it's actually a brilliant example of camouflage, allowing it to merge with shiny rain-washed leaves. (Image: @7ayawaana/X)
5/10
Little but Breathtaking: At just around 2 cm in length, this beetle still manages to turn heads with its liquid-metal-like appearance. (Image: Michael Farmer/@gunsnrosesgirl3/X)
Little but Breathtaking: At just around 2 cm in length, this beetle still manages to turn heads with its liquid-metal-like appearance. (Image: Michael Farmer/@gunsnrosesgirl3/X)
6/10
Elusive and Exotic: It's not easy to spot one in the wild. They're timid, nighttime, and very good at disappearing into their leafy habitat. (Image: Michael Farmer/@gunsnrosesgirl3/X)
Elusive and Exotic: It's not easy to spot one in the wild. They're timid, nocturnal and very good at disappearing into their leafy habitat. (Image: Michael Farmer/@gunsnrosesgirl3/X)
7/10
Eco Role: Similar to most beetles, Chrysina limbata assists in breaking down plant life, with an important role to play in the forest's ecosystem. (Image: Michael Farmer/@gunsnrosesgirl3/X)
Eco Role: Similar to most beetles, Chrysina limbata assists in breaking down plant life, with an important role to play in the forest's ecosystem. (Image: Michael Farmer/@gunsnrosesgirl3/X)
8/10
Not a Pet: Although stunning, it's unlawful in most nations to capture or sell them because they're a protected species. (Image: @Cybisterplatina/X)
Not a Pet: Although stunning, it's unlawful in most nations to capture or sell them because they're a protected species. (Image: @Cybisterplatina/X)
9/10
Found in the Rainforests: Chrysina limbata inhabits Central America's rainforests, particularly Costa Rica, keeping itself hidden among leaves. (Image: @Botanichka/X)
Found in the Rainforests: Chrysina limbata inhabits Central America's rainforests, particularly Costa Rica, keeping itself hidden among leaves. (Image: @Botanichka/X)
10/10
Nature's Own Jewellery: Chrysina limbata alerts us that nature may be more complex and beautiful than anything created by man. (Image: @ToK_ScienceTree/X)
Nature's Own Jewellery: Chrysina limbata alerts us that nature may be more complex and beautiful than anything created by man. (Image: @ToK_ScienceTree/X)

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