Chrysobothris comanche
Wellso & Manley, 2007
Chrysobothris comanche is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the Buprestidae, described by Wellso and Manley in 2007 as part of their revision of the Chrysobothris femorata -group. This species is to the southwestern United States, with records from New Mexico, Texas, and Utah. It is distinguished from closely related species by subtle morphological characters and is exclusively associated with Juglans (walnut) as its larval plant.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Chrysobothris comanche: //ˌkɹɪsəˈbɒθɹɪs kəˈmæntʃi//
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Identification
Chrysobothris comanche can be distinguished from other members of the Chrysobothris femorata -group by the following character suite: elytral (longitudinal ridges) lack cross-; post- foveae (circular impressions on the ) are indistinct; and the posteriolateral margins of the elytra are not arcuate. These features contrast with C. caddo, which has cross-veins connecting the costae and distinct foveae that interrupt them. Identification requires careful examination of these subtle structural characters, as coloration alone is unreliable within this species group.
Habitat
Associated with Juglans (walnut) trees, where larvae develop in dead wood. are found in woodland containing their plant.
Distribution
New Mexico, Texas, and Utah.
Host Associations
- Juglans - larval exclusive association; larvae develop in dead wood of walnut trees
Similar Taxa
- Chrysobothris caddoBoth belong to the Chrysobothris femorata -group and share similar size and general metallic coloration. Distinguished by C. caddo having cross- connecting elytral and distinct post- foveae that interrupt the costae, versus C. comanche lacking cross-veins and having indistinct foveae.
- Chrysobothris femorataBoth in the same -group with overlapping general . C. femorata has straight posteriolateral elytral margins with reddish tips, versus C. comanche having different elytral margin structure.
- Chrysobothris shawneeSimilar size and metallic appearance. Distinguished by C. shawnee having larger, bronze-black callosities versus the transverse bronze callosities of C. comanche, and by geographic distribution (C. shawnee occurs east to Colorado).