Rare American Red-bordered Buprestid Discovered in Shiga After 69 Years!

Overview - An inquiry to the Lake Biwa Museum led to the discovery of the rare American red-bordered buprestid (Buprestis rufipes) in Hikone, Shiga. - This is the first discovery in Shiga Prefecture in 69 years, since 1956. - Although it is an invasive species native to North America, there are no major concerns regarding the local Japanese ecosystem. - To commemorate this discovery, a specimen of the American red-bordered buprestid will be displayed in Exhibit Room C of the Lake Biwa Museum starting May 2nd.

Details In April 2025, the museum received an email inquiry about an unfamiliar jewel beetle found in Hikone. Investigation by curators confirmed it as the rare American red-bordered buprestid. Since the only previous record in Shiga was in 1956 in Otsu City, this represents a 69-year rediscovery. This finding was published in the monthly magazine 'Mushi' No. 655. To mark the occasion, the museum will display both the newly collected specimen from Hikone and the historical 1956 specimen from Otsu.

Topic Exhibition: 'First Discovery of American Red-bordered Buprestid in 70 Years' - Period: May 2 (Sat) – June 21 (Sun), 2026 - Hours: 9:30 – 17:00 (Last entry 16:00) - Location: Lake Biwa Museum, Exhibit Room C (Living Collection) - Content: Specimens of Buprestis rufipes (collected in 2025 and 1956) - Admission: Permanent exhibition fee required.

About the American Red-bordered Buprestid Native to North America, this beetle is occasionally found in Japan, often arriving via imported timber. It is famous for its long lifespan; some larvae have been known to stay inside wood for over 50 years before emerging as adults. Despite being an invasive species, it does not pose a significant threat to Japan's native ecosystem.

Discoverer's Comment 'I found an unfamiliar insect in my house. Since it was very beautiful, I decided to look it up with my son, who loves bugs. When I inquired at the Lake Biwa Museum and learned it was very rare, I was very surprised. Learning that it might have spent over 20 years in our house as a larva was even more shocking. This experience made me realize that unexpected discoveries can happen even in familiar places.'

To Members of the Press The discoverer wishes to remain anonymous. Please refrain from direct interviews.