Buprestis lyrata

Buprestis lyrata is a member of the subgenus Cypriacis within the genus Buprestis, characterized by elytra with alternate intervals depressed and heavily punctate, giving the beetle a strongly ribbed appearance. The species name "lyrata" refers to the lyre-shaped markings on the elytra. Adults are metallic in coloration, typical of the genus. The pink-faced common name likely refers to coloration on the head or pronotum. As with many Buprestis species, B. lyrata is relatively large and not particularly skittish compared to faster-flying relatives like Chrysobothris, making it somewhat easier to capture once located.

Found in alpine coniferous forest habitats. Adults are associated with freshly dead conifer trees, particularly Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), where they occur on trunks and branches. The species has been collected at elevations around 9000 feet in montane coniferous forest settings with dense forest cover.

Nearctic region: North America. Documented from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. The species appears to have a western North American distribution, though precise range boundaries are not well documented in available sources.

Adult activity has been observed in late June. Based on related species in the genus, adults likely emerge in late spring to early summer and may be active through mid-summer, though specific phenology data for this species is limited.

• Pseudotsuga menziesii - breeding hostDouglas-fir; larvae develop in dead wood, adults found on freshly dead trunks and branches

Adults are known to return repeatedly to the same host tree, making them somewhat predictable to locate. They are not particularly skittish and can be approached carefully for collection. When disturbed, they may fly short distances but often return to or remain near the host tree.

As a wood-boring beetle, larvae contribute to decomposition of dead conifer wood and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. The species is part of the guild of insects that colonize recently dead trees, facilitating breakdown of woody material.

Of interest to coleopterists and collectors due to its attractive metallic coloration and membership in the desirable genus Buprestis. Not considered a significant pest of living trees. The species is documented in citizen science platforms with over 900 observations, indicating moderate detectability by naturalists.

• Buprestis striataBoth are members of subgenus Cypriacis with ribbed elytra; B. striata has more distinct longitudinal striations and different coloration, and occurs in eastern North America on Virginia pine
• Buprestis salisburyensisBoth are medium to large Buprestis species with metallic coloration; B. salisburyensis is brilliant blue-green with red elytral margins and occurs in eastern North America, associated with young pine needles
• Buprestis confluentaBoth are large, showy Buprestis species; B. confluenta is brilliant green with yellow flecks and primarily associated with cottonwood and aspen in central North America
• Chrysobothris spp.Similar size and metallic appearance, but Chrysobothris species are generally smaller, faster-flying, and more skittish, with different elytral sculpture

• Buprestidae
• Coleoptera
• wood-boring beetle
• jewel beetle
• conifer-associated
• western North America
• Casey 1909
• Cypriacis
• Douglas-fir
• alpine forest

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• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
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