Anthaxia dichroa

Bílý, 1991

Anthaxia dichroa is a metallic wood-boring beetle ( Buprestidae) described by Bílý in 1991. It is found in North America and has been documented in ethanol-only traps in Illinois, where it occurs alongside related Anthaxia . The Anthaxia includes species associated with Cercocarpus (mountain mahogany) and other woody , though specific host relationships for A. dichroa remain unconfirmed.

Anthaxia dichroa by (c) Emily Franzen, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Emily Franzen. Used under a CC-BY license.Anthaxia dichroa by (c) Emily Franzen, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Emily Franzen. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anthaxia dichroa: /ænˈθæksiə daɪˈkroʊə/

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Identification

Anthaxia dichroa belongs to the Anthaxia, whose members are typically small to medium-sized jewel beetles with metallic coloration. Within the genus, identification requires examination of specific morphological characters including elytral , color pattern, and genitalic structures. The specific epithet 'dichroa' suggests two-colored appearance, though this is inferred from etymology rather than explicit description.

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Distribution

North America; specifically documented from Illinois (Salt Lick Point Land & Water Preserve) in the central United States. GBIF records indicate broader presence across Nearctic, Neotropic, Indomalaya, Palearctic, and Afrotropic realms, though these may represent taxonomic confusion with related .

Seasonality

have been collected in mid-July in Illinois, suggesting summer activity.

Behavior

have been captured in ethanol-baited traps, indicating attraction to fermentation volatiles. This is consistent with many Buprestidae that are attracted to stressed or dying wood.

Similar Taxa

  • Anthaxia cyanellaSimilar small size and metallic coloration; both occur in North American deciduous forests and have been collected in traps. A. cyanella is specifically associated with Betulaceae (river birch), providing a potential ecological reference point.
  • Anthaxia viridicornis groupRelated in the same with similar general ; MacRae (2006) discussed variation in this group, which may aid in distinguishing A. dichroa.

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Sources and further reading