Chrysobothris purpureovittata

Distinguished from other Chrysobothris species by its combination of red pronotum with greenish reflections and purple-striped elytra. The subspecies C. p. cercocarpi is recognized by its entirely red pronotum without greenish reflections and uniformly dark elytra, and is restricted to Cercocarpus montanus hosts in New Mexico. Separation from other polyphagous Chrysobothris requires examination of elytral punctation and male genitalia.

Deciduous woodlands, forest edges, and riparian areas where host trees occur. Found in both upland and lowland situations across its range. Adults are encountered on living and dead branches of host trees, particularly those showing stress or decline.

Central and south-central United States: Indiana west to Kansas and south to Mississippi and northern Mexico. Western populations in New Mexico (Otero County, Cloudcroft area) represent the subspecies C. p. cercocarpi.

Adults active primarily during late spring and early summer. Peak activity in June, with records extending from May through July depending on latitude and elevation.

Larvae mine beneath bark and in cambium of dead or dying branches of hardwood trees. Adults feed on foliage and possibly other plant tissues, though specific adult feeding habits are poorly documented.

• Celtis tenuifolia - larval hostdwarf hackberry
• Celtis laevigata - larval hostsugar hackberry
• Celtis ehrenbergia - larval hostdesert hackberry
• Celtis reticulata - larval hostnetleaf hackberry
• Ulmus crassifolia - larval hostcedar elm
• Ulmus rubra - larval hostslippery elm
• Ulmus americana - larval hostAmerican elm
• Prunus sp. - larval hostplums
• Quercus sp. - larval hostoaks
• Cercocarpus montanus - larval hostmountain mahogany; exclusive host of subspecies C. p. cercocarpi

Complete metamorphosis with wood-boring larval stage. Larvae tunnel beneath bark and in cambium, creating galleries that girdle branches. Pupation occurs within the wood, with adults emerging through D-shaped exit holes. Multiple generations per year possible in southern portions of range.

Adults are diurnal and readily take flight when disturbed. They are frequently collected by beating dead or dying branches of host trees onto a sheet. When alarmed, individuals dodge to the backside of branches before flying away.

As a primary wood-borer, contributes to nutrient cycling by breaking down dead and dying woody material. Creates habitat for secondary inhabitants in decaying branches. Serves as prey for woodpeckers and other insectivores.

Occasional pest of landscape trees, particularly elms and hackberries in urban settings. Not considered economically significant compared to some congeners. Of interest to collectors due to its attractive coloration and relative abundance.

• Chrysobothris femorataAlso polyphagous and broadly sympatric; distinguished by elytral punctation and color pattern details
• Chrysobothris maliSimilar host range including Rosaceae; requires examination of male genitalia and elytral sculpture for separation
• Chrysobothris piutaAssociated with Cercocarpus in western areas; more restricted host range and different elytral pattern

• Buprestidae
• Chrysobothris
• polyphagous
• wood-borer
• jewel beetle
• North America
• host generalist

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