Trachykele hartmani
Burke, 1920
Serpentine Cypress Wood-boring Beetle
Trachykele hartmani is a small ( ) described by Burke in 1920. It is one of approximately 50 in the Trachykele, a group of wood-boring primarily associated with coniferous . The species is known from the Nearctic region of North America. Like other members of the subtribe Trachykelina, it likely develops in the wood of cypress or related Cupressaceae, though specific host records for this species are not well documented. The "Serpentine Cypress Wood-boring Beetle" suggests an association with cypress species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Trachykele hartmani: /træˈkɪkəli ˈhɑrtməni/
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Distribution
Nearctic region; North America. Specific locality records are sparse in the available literature.
Host Associations
- Cupressaceae - probable larval inferred from and -level patterns
Similar Taxa
- Trachykele fattigiSame and subtribe; similar size and general habitus; distinguished by subtle differences in elytral and coloration
- Trachykele opulentaSame ; larger and more with more pronounced metallic coloration; occurs in similar geographic range
- Other Trachykele speciesMany in this are morphologically similar and require examination of or detailed elytral punctation patterns for definitive identification
More Details
Taxonomic Context
Trachykele hartmani belongs to the subtribe Trachykelina within the tribe Buprestini. This subtribe was established by Holynski in 1988 and includes with characteristic antennal and prosternal features. The Trachykele was revised by Nelson and Bellamy, though some species remain poorly known.
Collection History
The is represented in major North collections including the T.C. MacRae Collection, where it is listed among desiderata—indicating it is a sought-after species for working to complete regional faunal surveys.