Chrysobothris caddo

Difficult to identify without microscopic examination due to reliance on suites of subtle morphological characters rather than single diagnostic features. Distinguished from C. rugosiceps by narrowed (not quadrate) antennal apex; from C. viridiceps by joined (not separated) post-median elytral foveae; from C. quadriimpressa by deeply (not shallowly) impressed pygidium; from C. adelpha by lack of hyaline pygidial margin; from C. femorata by arcuate posteriolateral elytral margins with bronze (not straight with reddish) tips; from C. comanche by presence of cross-veins connecting elytral costae and distinct foveae; from C. shawnee by smaller, bronze (not larger bronze-black) frons callosities. Geographical distribution can help eliminate other species in the group. Associated primarily with Celtis (hackberry), which aids field recognition.

Primarily associated with hackberry (Celtis) woodlands. Adults have been observed on freshly cut wood and dead branches. The species was described from specimens collected in tree dumps containing cut wood from multiple plant species, though such associations require cautious interpretation due to proximity of potential hosts. Adults are active on downed logs exposed to full sun. In Oklahoma, found in state parks with mixed woody vegetation including Boiling Springs State Park and Gloss Mountains State Park.

North America: Florida west to Arizona and north to Missouri. Abundant in Texas. Documented from Oklahoma (Woodward County, Major County), where it represents a robust population in the northwestern part of the state.

Adults active during the day in early summer; observed in June in Oklahoma. Specific seasonal patterns beyond summer activity are not well documented.

Larval development occurs within wood of host plants. Larvae are wood-borers that feed on dead or dying woody tissue. Adults may feed on foliage or not feed at all; specific adult diet is not documented.

• Celtis - primary hosthackberry
• Cercis - secondary hostreared from this genus
• Ebanopsis - secondary hostreared from this genus; also known as Pithecellobium
• Juniperus virginiana - incidentalfound on cut eastern redcedar in tree dump situation; not normal association
• Ulmus rubra - potential incidentalfemale observed probing bark with ovipositor; unknown if larvae can develop successfully on this non-preferred host

Complete metamorphosis with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Eggs are laid on or in bark crevices of host trees. Larvae bore into wood and feed on dead or dying tissue, creating galleries. Pupation occurs within the wood. Adults emerge and are active during daylight hours. Specific developmental timing and number of instars are not documented.

Adults are diurnal and active on exposed downed logs in full sun. They rely on cryptic coloration to avoid detection and exhibit flash coloration (brilliant metallic blue-green dorsal segments) when taking flight to confuse predators. Females use the ovipositor to probe cracks in bark, presumably to deposit eggs. The species possesses large, multi-faceted eyes presumably for predator detection. Adults are wary and quick to take flight when approached.

Wood-boring larvae contribute to decomposition of dead and dying woody material in hardwood forests. As a member of the Chrysobothris femorata species-group, part of a complex that has undergone host partitioning, contributing to diversification and niche specialization within the genus. Serves as prey for various predators including birds and other insects.

Not considered a significant economic pest compared to C. femorata, which damages shade and fruit trees. Primarily of interest to taxonomists, collectors, and forest ecologists. The 2007 revision that described this species brought clarity to species limits in a group containing an important forestry pest, aiding identification and management of the more damaging C. femorata sensu stricto. Type series paratypes are deposited in collections.

• Chrysobothris femorataHistorically confused under this catch-all name; distinguished by straight (not arcuate) posteriolateral elytral margins and reddish (not bronze) elytral tips
• Chrysobothris viridicepsSimilar size and appearance; distinguished by distinctly separated (not joined) post-median elytral foveae
• Chrysobothris rugosicepsSimilar appearance; distinguished by strongly quadrate (not narrowed) last antennal segment
• Chrysobothris quadriimpressaSimilar appearance; distinguished by shallowly (not deeply) impressed pygidium
• Chrysobothris adelphaSimilar appearance; distinguished by presence of hyaline lateral margin on pygidium (unique in the group)
• Chrysobothris comancheSimilar appearance; distinguished by lack of cross-veins on elytra and indistinct foveae
• Chrysobothris shawneeSimilar appearance; distinguished by larger, bronze-black (not smaller bronze) frons callosities

Specimens from tree dumps on non-preferred hosts (such as the documented occurrence on Juniperus virginiana) may lead to incorrect host associations; such situations require cautious interpretation due to proximity of multiple potential host species. The species was not recognized as distinct until 2007, so older literature and collections may misidentify it as C. femorata or C. femorata species-group.

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Introducing Chrysobothris caddo | Beetles In The Bush
• Chrysobothris viridiceps | Beetles In The Bush
• Oklahoma | Beetles In The Bush | Page 9
• 2013 Oklahoma Collecting Trip iReport | Beetles In The Bush