Anthaxia caseyi pseudotsugae
Chamberlin, 1928
Anthaxia caseyi pseudotsugae is a of jewel beetle ( Buprestidae) described by Chamberlin in 1928. It is distinguished from the nominate subspecies A. c. caseyi by its dark coloration rather than bright green. The subspecies has been collected in montane coniferous forests of the southwestern United States, particularly in New Mexico and Arizona, where are found on flowers of Rosa woodsii and other blooming plants in alpine .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Anthaxia caseyi pseudotsugae: //ænˈθæksiə ˈkeɪsiaɪ ˌsjuːdoʊˈtsuːɡiː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
of Anthaxia caseyi pseudotsugae are characterized by dark coloration, in contrast to the bright green individuals of the nominate A. c. caseyi found further west in California. The belongs to the subgenus Haplanthaxia, distinguished from the subgenus Melanthaxia by morphological features. Field identification relies on the combination of dark metallic coloration and specific associations in high-elevation coniferous forests.
Habitat
Montane coniferous forests at high elevations, typically above 7000 feet. Associated with alpine coniferous forest featuring ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and Gambel oak. are found in areas with abundant flowering vegetation, particularly near stands of Rosa woodsii (Woods' rose) and other montane flowering plants.
Distribution
Southwestern United States, specifically recorded from New Mexico (Lincoln National Forest, Otero County) and Arizona. The occurs in the within montane forest zones of the southern Rocky Mountains and associated ranges.
Seasonality
have been observed in late June to early July. Activity appears to coincide with flowering periods of plants in montane , particularly when Rosa woodsii and other montane flowers are in bloom.
Host Associations
- Rosa woodsii - flower collected on flowers
- Pseudotsuga menziesii - associated with Found in Douglas-fir dominated forests
Behavior
are flower visitors, actively seeking blooming plants in montane . They have been observed on flowers during daylight hours and are attracted to ultraviolet light at night. The appears to be a habitat restricted to high-elevation coniferous forest zones.
Ecological Role
function as while feeding on floral resources. As with other Buprestidae, larvae are likely wood-borers in coniferous or hardwood , though specific larval hosts for this remain undocumented.
Similar Taxa
- Anthaxia caseyi caseyiNominate distinguished by bright green coloration versus dark coloration of A. c. pseudotsugae; occurs further west in California
- Anthaxia expansaSympatric in same , distinguished by two pronotal impressions; belongs to subgenus Melanthaxia rather than Haplanthaxia
More Details
Taxonomic note
The was described by Chamberlin in 1928. in the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico may represent an intermediate or unassignable form between described subspecies.
Collection method
have been successfully collected using sweet red wine-baited jug traps hung in Gambel oak along forest margins, as well as by direct observation and netting on flowers.