Jewel beetles are mainly found in the south-east of England due to restricted climate requirements. There are no records from Ireland.

They are usually found on their larval host plants; however, some can also be found on flowers of other plant species. Adults are active during the day and are occasionally seen basking on plants or logs on sunny days. They can be caught by beating the appropriate host plant and their presence can also be noted by characteristic ‘D’ shaped emergence holes.

•  Adults of many of the larger species can be found on flower heads or in tall vegetation during the summer months. Sweeping and beating are effective methods of catching them.
• The smaller species (Malthininae) are usually found in old trees and can be collected by beating. They have also been known to come to light traps.