Dicerca
Dicerca
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Buprestoidea
- Family: Buprestidae
- Subfamily: Chrysochroinae
- Tribe: Dicercini
- Subtribe: Dicercina
- Genus: Dicerca
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dicerca: /dɪˈsɜːrkə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Dicerca is a genus of beetles in the Buprestidae family, comprising around 24 species in North America and a total of about 43 species globally. They are typically found in the decaying wood of trees, have varied dietary habits, and can hibernate for several years.
Physical Characteristics
Members of the genus Dicerca range in size from 9 to 26 mm. The species have metallic or iridescent colors, typical of many in the family Buprestidae.
Identification Tips
Identification of Dicerca can be made by examining their body shape, coloration, and the presence of distinctive markings or structures typical of the genus.
Habitat
Dicerca species are typically found in recently dead wood or dead parts of living trees, including both deciduous and coniferous species. Some species, such as D. pugionata, may infest apparently healthy trees.
Distribution
The distribution of Dicerca includes holarctic, Neotropical, and Oriental regions, with species found across North America.
Diet
Most species are oligophages, feeding on a variety of host plants, while a few appear to be monophagous.
Life Cycle
Many species of Dicerca hibernate as adults under loose bark; the life cycle can take several years, especially in European species.
Reproduction
Specific details on reproductive strategies within Dicerca are not provided in the source material.
Predators
Predators of Dicerca are not specifically mentioned in the provided materials.
Ecosystem Role
As wood-boring beetles, Dicerca species may play important roles in the decomposition of dead wood, aiding in nutrient recycling.
Collecting Methods
- Visual searching on trees
- Bark dissection for larvae
Preservation Methods
- Drying
- Pinning
- Specimen jars with alcohol
Evolution
No specific information on the evolutionary history of Dicerca was provided.
Similar Taxa
- Chrysochroa
- Acmaeodera
Misconceptions
There may be confusion regarding the economic importance of Dicerca, as some species are known to attack living trees, leading to misconceptions about their overall impact.
Tags
- beetles
- Dicerca
- buprestidae
- wood-boring