Chrysobothris costifrons

Found in montane oak-juniper woodlands and related forested habitats. Adults have been observed on trunks of recently wind-thrown or dead oaks (Quercus spp.). The species occurs in areas with oak-dominated vegetation, including higher elevation sites with Quercus hypoleucoides (silverleaf oak) and Quercus arizonica (Arizona white oak).

Central America and North America. Records include the southwestern United States (Arizona) and presumably extending southward through Mexico into Central America. Specifically documented from the Huachuca Mountains in southeastern Arizona.

Adult activity observed in early June in southeastern Arizona, suggesting a spring to early summer flight period prior to the onset of monsoon rains.

• Quercus hypoleucoides - adult occurrenceObserved on recently wind-thrown silverleaf oak in Huachuca Mountains, Arizona
• Quercus arizonica - habitat associationOccurs in same montane oak woodlands where this oak species is present

Larval development occurs in woody hosts, typical of the genus. Larvae are wood-borers that develop in living or recently dead branches and trunks of host trees. Specific larval host plants for this species have not been definitively documented in available sources.

Adults are diurnal and have been observed running on tree trunks. They appear to be attracted to recently dead or stressed oak trees, where they may mate and oviposit. Adults are relatively wary and quick to take flight when disturbed.

As a wood-boring beetle, larvae contribute to the decomposition of dead and dying woody material in oak woodlands. The species is part of the diverse buprestid fauna associated with Quercus-dominated ecosystems in the southwestern United States and Mexico.

No significant documented economic or agricultural impact. Of interest to entomologists and beetle collectors due to its distribution in the species-rich Chrysobothris fauna of the southwestern United States and Mexico.

• Chrysobothris mescaleroBoth species occur in southwestern oak habitats and are attracted to oaks; C. mescalero is specifically associated with Quercus havardii in sand dune habitats, while C. costifrons occurs in montane oak woodlands
• Chrysobothris octocolaSympatric in Arizona and both associated with oaks; C. octocola is frequently found on mesquite and other leguminous trees in addition to oaks, while C. costifrons appears more restricted to montane oak habitats

• Buprestidae
• Chrysobothris
• wood-boring beetle
• jewel beetle
• oak-associated
• southwestern North America
• montane woodland

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Erotylidae | Beetles In The Bush
• Descriptions of SomeChrysobothrisLarvae (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) Occurring in the United States and Mexico