Chrysobothris seminole

Distinguished from other Chrysobothris femorata species-group members by: uniformly brown frons and clypeus in both sexes (shared only with C. mescalero); two indistinct elytral costae (C. mescalero has three distinct costae); distinct elytral foveae (indistinct in C. mescalero); and southeastern distribution versus southwestern distribution of C. mescalero. The species is further separated from C. femorata by arcuate posteriolateral elytral margins with bronze tips.

Adults exhibit metallic coloration typical of the genus. Both sexes have the frons and clypeus uniformly brown, lacking the bright coloration seen in males of related species. The elytra bear two indistinct costae (longitudinal ridges) and distinct foveae (circular impressions). The pygidium (terminal abdominal segment) is deeply impressed on each side of the middle in females.

Coastal sand scrub and dune habitats of the southeastern United States. Adults are found primarily on lower stems of living host plants. The species is restricted to habitats where its host plant, woody goldenrod, occurs.

Known only from southeastern Georgia and Florida, specifically from Emanuel County, Georgia (type locality) and limited locations in Florida. The distribution corresponds closely to that of its host plant.

Adults have been observed in late May. Activity likely extends into summer months, though precise seasonal range is poorly documented due to rarity.

• Chrysoma pauciflosculosa - obligateWoody goldenrod; the only confirmed host. Larvae develop in stems and root crowns of living plants. This is the only species in the Chrysobothris femorata group associated with a non-woody host plant.

Adults are active during daylight hours on exposed lower stems of host plants. When disturbed, they exhibit rapid flight escape response. Larvae bore into stems and root crowns of living host plants, causing internal damage.

As a stem- and root-borer of woody goldenrod, the species may influence plant population dynamics in its restricted coastal dune habitat. Its specialized association with a single host plant suggests potential vulnerability to host plant decline.

No known economic importance. The species is of interest to coleopterists due to its rarity, restricted distribution, and unique host association. It has been the subject of targeted collecting efforts by entomologists.

• Chrysobothris mescaleroShares uniformly brown frons and clypeus in both sexes, but differs in having three distinct elytral costae versus two indistinct costae, indistinct versus distinct elytral foveae, and southwestern distribution (New Mexico, west Texas) with Quercus host association versus southeastern distribution with Chrysoma host.
• Chrysobothris femorataMember of same species-group; differs in having straight posteriolateral elytral margins with reddish tips versus arcuate margins with bronze tips, and association with diverse woody plants rather than Chrysoma.

• Buprestidae
• jewel beetle
• metallic wood-boring beetle
• Chrysobothris femorata species-group
• endemic
• rare
• host specialist
• coastal dunes
• sand scrub
• Chrysoma
• woody goldenrod
• southeastern United States

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Introducing Chrysobothris caddo | Beetles In The Bush
• Chrysobothris orono in Tennessee | Beetles In The Bush
• Why I went to Georgia | Beetles In The Bush
• The Buprestis tree | Beetles In The Bush