Chrysochroinae

Laporte de Castelnau, 1835

jewel beetles

Tribe Guides

4

Chrysochroinae is a of Buprestidae (jewel beetles) containing the bulk of the 'classic' jewel beetles. Members are characterized by brilliant, often iridescent metallic coloration. The subfamily includes multiple tribes, with Chrysochroini and Dicercini being the most diverse. such as Chrysochroa, Chrysodema, Chalcophora, Dicerca, and Lampetis are included. reach their greatest diversity and size in the ancient rainforests of Africa and Southeast Asia, though the subfamily has a worldwide distribution.

Dicerca obscura by no rights reserved, uploaded by Ken Kneidel. Used under a CC0 license.Chrysochroinae by (c) National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project. Used under a CC-BY license.Chrysochroinae by (c) B. Phalan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by B. Phalan. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chrysochroinae: /ˌkrɪsoʊˈkrɔɪniː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Chrysochroinae can be distinguished from other buprestid by the combination of: antennal serrations beginning on the third antennomere (not the fourth as in Buprestinae); broadly convex or flat between procoxae; and the presence of distinct elytral or in most . The tribe Chrysochroini is characterized by large body size, brilliant metallic coloration, and often elaborate surface sculpturing including pits, grooves, and pubescent patterns. Dicercini typically show more subdued coloration and different antennal proportions.

Images

Habitat

vary by tribe and . Chrysochroini are predominantly associated with tropical and subtropical forests, where are found on foliage or flowers of trees. Dicercini species occur in a broader range of habitats including temperate woodlands; larvae develop in bark and phloem of living or dead trees.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution. Chrysochroini reaches greatest diversity in Southeast Asia, Madagascar, and tropical Africa. Dicercini is more broadly distributed with strong representation in the Holarctic region. The occurs on all continents except Antarctica, with documented records from China, Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia, Bulgaria, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, and North America.

Diet

of many feed on pollen and petals of flowers. Larval diet consists of phloem and outer bark of woody plants; some species are cambium feeders.

Host Associations

  • Ulmus (elm) - larval Dicerca asperata larvae develop in bark of dead or dying elm trees
  • Lannea discolor - Evides pubiventris found on upper branch terminals
  • Grewia flava - Acmaeodera and other found on flowers
  • Toona ciliata - larval plant recorded for Chrysodema
  • Muntingia calabura - food plantHiperantha interrogationis observed feeding on petals
  • Acacia angustissima - Hiperantha interrogationis recorded on flowers
  • Chilopsis linearis - Hiperantha interrogationis nominate recorded on flowers

Life Cycle

Larvae are wood-borers, developing in phloem, cambium, or outer bark of trees. typically occurs as larvae in bark. occurs in wood or bark. are relatively long-lived and primarily reproductive rather than feeding .

Behavior

are strong fliers, often hovering before alighting on flowers. Some are elusive and quick to fly when disturbed. Many Chrysochroini species exhibit sexual dichroism in coloration. Certain species show mimicry of chemically protected blister beetles (Mylabris spp.) as a defense against . Adults of some groom themselves on foliage after feeding.

Ecological Role

Larvae contribute to nutrient cycling through wood decomposition. Some may function as early successional colonizers of dead or dying trees. serve as when feeding on flowers.

Human Relevance

Highly valued by philatelic collectors for their brilliant coloration and large size. Some are commercially traded, with wild-harvested specimens dominating the market. Certain species have been studied for the structural basis of their iridescent coloration. Some (e.g., Dicerca) include species associated with declining trees and may have relevance to forest health monitoring.

Similar Taxa

  • BuprestinaeBuprestinae differs in having antennal serrations beginning on the fourth antennomere rather than the third, and typically has a more convex
  • AgrilinaeAgrilinae are generally smaller, more slender, and have different larval habits (often leaf-miners or twig-borers rather than large wood-borers); antennal structure also differs
  • PolycestinaePolycestinae typically has a different prosternal structure and less pronounced metallic coloration; many are associated with different plants

More Details

Tribal classification

The includes multiple tribes: Chrysochroini (containing subtribes Chalcophorina, Chrysochroina, and Eucallopistina), Dicercini (with subtribes Dicercina, Haplotrinchina, Hippomelanina, and Pseudoperotina), and smaller tribes including Evidini, Paraleptodemini, Paratassini, Phrixiini, Poecilonotini, Sphenopterini, and Vadonaxiini.

Iridescence mechanism

The brilliant metallic coloration is structural, not pigment-based. Multiple layers in the reflect light of specific wavelengths in different directions, causing apparent color shifts depending on viewing angle.

Taxonomic instability

Generic and tribal boundaries within Chrysochroinae have undergone significant revision, with many transferred between tribes and subtribes based on phylogenetic studies. The subtribe Chalcophorina was formerly treated as a separate tribe Chalcophorini.

Sources and further reading