Insect Jewelry of the Victorian Era.
The wing-cases of gold-enameled weevils hung from necklaces; muslin gowns were embroidered with the iridescent green elytra of jewel beetles.
The wing-cases of gold-enameled weevils hung from necklaces; muslin gowns were embroidered with the iridescent green elytra of jewel beetles.
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Polychalca punctatissima ( https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/556731-Polychalca-punctatissima ) was the metallic green species most often mounted as "scarabs" (these beetles are really South American leaf beetles) in Egyptian-inspired and Art Nouveau jewelry of the Victorian era.
It is weird/interesting how different cultures decorated themselves with metallic insects.
This goes back a ways (32 years): We visited a tribe that was living very traditionally in the Amazon rain forest in Ecuador. Many of the women adorned themselves with necklaces, bracelets, and headbands made of large, metallic, green, iridescent beetles. I guess they just made do with what was abundant in that area to decorate themselves. I remember thinking "I hope they don't wipe out this species." They were understandably camera shy and we respected their wishes for no photos.
As long as there wasn't an active trade market of beetles , I'm sure the local population was fine.
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