Sphaerobothris

Sphaerobothris species can be distinguished from other Chrysobothrini by their rounded, globose body form and association with Ephedra host plants. The genus name refers to this spherical shape (Greek 'sphaira' = sphere, 'bothris' = pit/trench). S. ulkei specifically has been documented with a carcass found near Ephedra bushes, suggesting the species may be associated with this plant genus.

Arid and semi-arid regions of western North America, specifically associated with desert scrub and thorn-scrub habitats where Ephedra (joint-fir) grows. The 2018 Arizona collecting trip found S. ulkei in desert flats below Portal, Arizona, dominated by mesquite, sweet acacia, and three-pronged joint-fir (Ephedra trifurca).

North America, specifically documented from western Texas, southern New Mexico, southeastern Arizona, and areas near the U.S.-Mexico border. Specific localities include: Portal, Arizona; Point of Sands, New Mexico; and desert flats in the Chiricahua Mountains region.

Adults have been collected in July and August, suggesting summer activity. The 2021 collecting report notes finding a carcass of S. ulkei in late July, indicating the species was active or recently emerged at that time.

• Ephedra trifurca - host plantThree-pronged joint-fir; S. ulkei specifically searched for on this plant in desert flats below Portal, Arizona
• Ephedra - host plantJoint-fir genus; general association noted in field reports

Adults are active during daylight hours and have been observed flying. They are described as difficult to locate and collect, requiring extensive searching of host plants. In 2018, three hours of searching Ephedra trifurca yielded only five specimens among three collectors. Adults may be associated with dead or dying host plant material.

Of interest to coleopterists and buprestid specialists due to its rarity and difficulty of collection. The genus is considered a desirable target for collectors in the southwestern United States. No economic or pest significance has been documented.

• ChrysobothrisBoth in tribe Chrysobothrini; Sphaerobothris distinguished by more globose body form and specific association with Ephedra rather than the woody plants typically used by Chrysobothris
• AcmaeoderaSympatric buprestid genus in same habitats; Sphaerobothris distinguished by body shape and host plant specificity

• Buprestidae
• Chrysobothrini
• Ephedra
• joint-fir
• desert beetles
• Southwest North America
• rare
• jewel beetles
• buprestid
• wood-boring beetles

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• 2018 Arizona Insect Collecting Trip “iReport” | Beetles In The Bush
• Belostomatidae | Beetles In The Bush