Gilding The Magazopherus Chiliensis--It’s illegal to do it too. This is a closeup of a live jewel encrusted beetle that showed up in New York State recently, and was displayed by Customs officials to officers inspecting baggage at the Rome AFB, Rome, NY. They are illegal to have in the United States, despite their red, white and blue rhinestones-- and golden leash. Hundreds have been seized recently, most of them coming from Mexico.

Associated Press · [ca. March 1971]

[Information from item housing] Jewelry