Chrysobothris ignicollis

Belongs to the Chrysobothris femorata species-group, which requires examination of character suites for reliable identification. Specific diagnostic characters for C. ignicollis relative to other members of this group are not detailed in available sources.

Associated with Juniperus woodlands and areas where juniper species occur. Adults have been observed on freshly cut Juniperus virginiana (eastern redcedar) and on downed logs exposed to full sun.

Western North America, with records from Oklahoma and broader distribution across the western United States. Also reported from Central America and North America generally.

Adults have been observed in June in northwestern Oklahoma. Activity likely coincides with warm season conditions suitable for adult emergence and host plant availability.

Larvae feed within dead branches of Juniperus species, including Juniperus virginiana. The species is a wood-borer in dead or dying juniper wood.

• Juniperus virginiana - hosteastern redcedar; larvae reared from dead branches, adults observed on freshly cut wood
• Juniperus - hostgenus-level association; commonly associated with juniper species throughout western North America

Larvae develop within dead branches of host juniper species. Larval stage described in taxonomic literature, though specific developmental details are not well documented.

Adults are active during the day on exposed wood surfaces. Possess large, multi-faceted eyes presumed to function in predator detection. When disturbed, expose brilliant metallic blue-green dorsal segments in flight as flash coloration. Males use pro- and mesolegs to clamp females during mating.

Wood-borer in dead juniper branches; contributes to decomposition of dead wood in juniper ecosystems.

No significant economic pest status documented. Not associated with living shade or fruit trees unlike some congeners.

• Chrysobothris femorataFormerly part of a catch-all taxon that included multiple species; C. ignicollis distinguished by host association with Juniperus and western distribution
• Chrysobothris caddoOccurs in similar region and habitat (both found in northwestern Oklahoma), but C. caddo primarily associated with Celtis (hackberry) rather than Juniperus

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Introducing Chrysobothris caddo | Beetles In The Bush
• Oklahoma is for lovers | Beetles In The Bush
• Descriptions of SomeChrysobothrisLarvae (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) Occurring in the United States and Mexico