A golden jewel beetle (Buprestis aurulenta) emerged from a wooden staircase in Prittlewell, Essex, England, in 1983, at least 51 years after the wood was cut, the longest known insect lifespan. Larvae can survive in dry timber for decades, growing very slowly.
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A golden jewel beetle (Buprestis aurulenta) emerged from a wooden staircase in Prittlewell, Essex, England, in 1983, at least 51 years after the wood was cut, the longest known insect lifespan. Larvae can survive in dry timber for decades, growing very slowly.
The longest documented time between egg and adult emergence for any insect.
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Permanent ID limitsregistry.com/limits/LR-LONGEST-LIVED-INSECT-JEWEL-BEETLE
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Limits Registry. LR-LONGEST-LIVED-INSECT-JEWEL-BEETLE. Longest-lived insect. 2026.