Insects are extremely valuable in each of their own ways and the jewel beetle is linked to humans in multiple ways. These beetles are beautiful as we have seen in many of the posted photos. They have a spectacular color and design that inspires awe in most individuals who lay eyes on "The Heaven of Delight" designed by the Flemish artist, Jan Fabre. They are one of the most abundant species on earth which allow easy access to use for food, art, textiles, jewelry and even biological control (Amy).
The jewel beetle is a delicacy in many countries, especially in Asia. They are eaten in both the larval and adult stages and are usually fried. After they are fried the head and legs are taken off and the hard elytra made of chitin is discarded (Amy). Due to the abundance of this insect it is easy to come by and so it is not a surprise that the jewel beetle is becoming a main food source and delicacy in some countries and parts of artwork in other places.
As we saw in previous pictures the wings of the jewel beetles are also used for textiles including dresses, scarves, turbans, and decorative blankets. Since the jewel beetles wings are so strong they become a very durable material to use in the production of textiles. They are also used to make jewelry such as rings, necklaces and earrings. The wings unique shimmer and vibrant colors make them a high commodity when making jewelry.
As if there were not enough reasons to love the jewel beetle, they are also a good source of biological control. One species of jewel beetle called
Hylaeogena jureceki is currently being released in certain parts of Wales to help fight the spread of a vine weed called the Cat's Claw Creeper (McAdam). Cat's Claw Creeper is known as a weed that poses a major threat to rainforests and vegetation around the world. They have tried many alternatives to get rid of this weed however, the leaf-mining jewel beetle that is highly target-specific can severely damage this weed. Other testings have found that this jewel beetle does not pose any threats on other local plants other then the Cat's Claw Creeper. They are using the jewel beetle along with the leaf sucking tingid bug in order to eradicate the problem (McAdam).
With all of these uses for the Jewel beetle Artist Jan Fabre, has taken these beautiful insects to a whole new level which is nothing new for Jan Fabre who is always ready to shock and wonder as he uses his creative instincts to design unique, one of a kind pieces of art like, "Heaven of Delight." Hopefully more artists can develop art using insects in order to make people more aware of insects and their natural beauty and awe. Artwork like "Heaven of Delight" is still being talked about today and it was completed in 2002, and considering that this beetle can be seen in fossils from 4.7 million years ago, I don't think we will be saying goodbye to this species for long time, they will surely outlive generations after us through Fabre's creative arts.
The jewel beetle is a delicacy in many countries, especially in Asia. They are eaten in both the larval and adult stages and are usually fried. After they are fried the head and legs are taken off and the hard elytra made of chitin is discarded (Amy). Due to the abundance of this insect it is easy to come by and so it is not a surprise that the jewel beetle is becoming a main food source and delicacy in some countries and parts of artwork in other places.
As we saw in previous pictures the wings of the jewel beetles are also used for textiles including dresses, scarves, turbans, and decorative blankets. Since the jewel beetles wings are so strong they become a very durable material to use in the production of textiles. They are also used to make jewelry such as rings, necklaces and earrings. The wings unique shimmer and vibrant colors make them a high commodity when making jewelry.
As if there were not enough reasons to love the jewel beetle, they are also a good source of biological control. One species of jewel beetle called
Hylaeogena jureceki is currently being released in certain parts of Wales to help fight the spread of a vine weed called the Cat's Claw Creeper (McAdam). Cat's Claw Creeper is known as a weed that poses a major threat to rainforests and vegetation around the world. They have tried many alternatives to get rid of this weed however, the leaf-mining jewel beetle that is highly target-specific can severely damage this weed. Other testings have found that this jewel beetle does not pose any threats on other local plants other then the Cat's Claw Creeper. They are using the jewel beetle along with the leaf sucking tingid bug in order to eradicate the problem (McAdam).
With all of these uses for the Jewel beetle Artist Jan Fabre, has taken these beautiful insects to a whole new level which is nothing new for Jan Fabre who is always ready to shock and wonder as he uses his creative instincts to design unique, one of a kind pieces of art like, "Heaven of Delight." Hopefully more artists can develop art using insects in order to make people more aware of insects and their natural beauty and awe. Artwork like "Heaven of Delight" is still being talked about today and it was completed in 2002, and considering that this beetle can be seen in fossils from 4.7 million years ago, I don't think we will be saying goodbye to this species for long time, they will surely outlive generations after us through Fabre's creative arts.