Chrysobothris quadriimpressa

Gory & Laporte, 1837

Four-impressed Chrysobothris

Chrysobothris quadriimpressa is a jewel beetle in the Buprestidae, belonging to the Chrysobothris femorata group. This species was originally described in 1837, subsequently synonymized, and resurrected in the 2007 revision by Wellso and Manley. It occurs across eastern North America west to the Continental Divide and is primarily associated with oak (Quercus) . The species is distinguished from closely related members of the C. femorata group by subtle morphological characters of the and .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chrysobothris quadriimpressa: //ˌkrɪsoʊˈbɒθrɪs kwɑːˌdraɪmˈprɛsə//

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Identification

Chrysobothris quadriimpressa can be distinguished from other members of the C. femorata group by the (upper surface of the abdominal tip), which is shallowly impressed on each side of the middle. This contrasts with C. caddo, which has a deeply impressed pygidium. The species lacks the hyaline lateral margin on the pygidium that characterizes C. adelpha, and does not show the bicolored antennal segments of male C. viridiceps. The post- foveae of the are joined, unlike C. viridiceps where they are distinctly separated. Identification requires careful examination of these subtle character suites rather than single diagnostic features.

Distribution

Eastern United States west to the Continental Divide. Records include Ontario and Québec in Canada.

Host Associations

Quercus - primary Primarily associated with dead branches of oak
Juglans - secondary Reared from walnut
Liquidambar - secondary Reared from sweetgum
Sapindus - secondary Reared from soapberry

Ecological Role

Larvae are wood-borers in dead branches of hardwood trees, contributing to nutrient cycling in forest . The shows a preference for larger branches relative to C. viridiceps but smaller branches than C. rugosiceps.

Similar Taxa

Chrysobothris caddoSimilar size and distribution; distinguished by deeply impressed versus shallowly impressed in C. quadriimpressa
Chrysobothris viridicepsAlso associated with Quercus; distinguished by separated post- elytral foveae and bicolored male
Chrysobothris rugosicepsAlso associated with Quercus; distinguished by quadrate last antennal segment and occurrence on larger branches/trunks
Chrysobothris shawneeAlso associated with Quercus; distinguished by larger size and occurrence on large trunks and stumps
Chrysobothris adelphaDistinguished by unique hyaline lateral margin on and association with Carya rather than Quercus