Taphrocerus nicolayi
Obenberger, 1924
Taphrocerus nicolayi is a metallic wood-boring beetle ( Buprestidae) first described by Obenberger in 1924. The occurs in North America, with confirmed records from Ontario, Canada. Like other members of the Taphrocerus, it is a small jewel beetle with larvae that develop in herbaceous vegetation rather than woody plants, distinguishing it from many other buprestids.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Taphrocerus nicolayi: /tæfˈroʊsɛrəs ˈnɪkoʊlaɪ/
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Habitat
Herbaceous roadside vegetation in dry-mesic upland deciduous forest. The has been collected by sweeping vegetation, suggesting association with low-growing plants rather than trees or shrubs.
Distribution
North America. Confirmed present in Ontario, Canada. The has been documented in Missouri (Peck Ranch Conservation Area) based on field collection records.
Seasonality
active in mid-summer. One documented collection occurred in mid-July in Missouri.
Host Associations
- Helenium amarum (bitterweed) - collected_fromSpecimen collected from roadside vegetation where this plant was present; exact relationship unclear
Behavior
have been observed on low vegetation and are collected by sweeping. The appears to be active during daylight hours in summer.
Similar Taxa
- Taphrocerus gracilisSimilar small size and general body form; T. nicolayi may be distinguished by subtle differences in elytral and coloration, though definitive separation often requires examination of genitalia
- Other Taphrocerus speciesThe contains numerous small, slender with metallic coloration; accurate identification to species level typically requires detailed morphological examination and reference to original description
More Details
Collection method
The only documented field observation of this involved collection by sweeping herbaceous roadside vegetation with a sweep net, indicating occur on low vegetation rather than being attracted to lights or traps.
Taxonomic history
Described by Jan Obenberger in 1924, a prolific Czech entomologist who described hundreds of Buprestidae . The specific epithet 'nicolayi' likely honors a colleague or collector, though the exact etymology is not documented in readily available sources.