Chrysobothris shawnee

Distinguished from closely related species in the Chrysobothris femorata group by the frons having larger, bronze-black callosities (elevated patches), in contrast to C. caddo which has transverse bronze callosities. The species is part of a complex group where identification relies on suites of subtle morphological characters rather than single diagnostic features. Geographic distribution (eastern US west to Colorado) helps separate it from western species in the group.

Adults are metallic wood-boring beetles with characteristic buprestid morphology: elongated, somewhat flattened body with metallic coloration typical of the genus. Diagnostic characters include larger, bronze-black callosities on the frons (face) compared to the transverse bronze callosities of C. caddo. Specific coloration and size details are not well documented in available sources.

Dead wood of large branches and trunks of oak trees; also found on cut sugarberry (Celtis laevigata) trees in proximity to cut oaks. Occurs in forested areas where host trees are present.

Eastern United States west to Colorado. Specific state records include Oklahoma.

Larvae are wood-borers that feed within the trunks and large branches of dead oak trees (Quercus). Specific feeding habits of adults are not documented.

• Quercus - primary hostPrimary host; adults occur on large branches and trunks of dead oak trees, larvae develop within wood
• Salix - secondary hostReared from this host
• Prunus - secondary hostReared from this host
• Celtis laevigata - incidentalFew specimens found on cut sugarberry trees in vicinity of cut oaks; likely incidental association

Larvae are wood-borers that develop within dead oak wood. Specific details on egg-laying, larval instars, pupation, and adult emergence timing are not documented in available sources.

Adults have been observed on dead oak wood, sometimes occurring sympatrically with Chrysobothris rugosiceps. Specific behavioral details such as flight activity, mating, or defensive behaviors are not documented.

As a wood-boring beetle, larvae contribute to the decomposition of dead oak wood, recycling nutrients in forest ecosystems. The species is part of a guild of buprestids that specialize on dead hardwoods.

Not documented as an economic pest. The species was described relatively recently (2007) as part of taxonomic revision work that clarified species boundaries in a group previously confounded under Chrysobothris femorata, a known pest of shade and fruit trees. Understanding species limits in this group has implications for pest management.

• Chrysobothris caddoSimilar size and general appearance; distinguished by transverse bronze (not bronze-black) callosities on frons and different geographic distribution (more southern and western)
• Chrysobothris rugosicepsOccurs sympatrically on dead oak trees; distinguished by quadrate (not narrowed) last antennal segment
• Chrysobothris femorataFormerly confused with this species; distinguished by straight posteriolateral elytral margins and reddish (not bronze) elytral tips
• Chrysobothris viridicepsSimilar group member; distinguished by distinctly separated (not joined) post-median elytral foveae
• Chrysobothris quadriimpressaSimilar group member; distinguished by shallowly impressed (not deeply impressed) pygidium

• wood-borer
• oak-associated
• dead wood habitat
• Chrysobothris femorata group
• recently described species

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Introducing Chrysobothris caddo | Beetles In The Bush
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