Dicerca hornii

Crotch, 1873

Species Guides

Dicerca hornii is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the Buprestidae, first described by Crotch in 1873. The is native to North America and has been documented in association with Cercocarpus (mountain mahogany) in the Lake Tahoe region. Three are recognized: D. hornii ampliata, D. hornii hornii, and D. hornii nelsoni. Like other members of the Dicerca, this species exhibits cryptic coloration that provides effective camouflage against tree bark.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dicerca hornii: /dɪˈsɛrkə ˈhɔːrniː/

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Distribution

North America. Specifically documented from the Lake Tahoe Basin area in Nevada/California, where it has been associated with Cercocarpus ledifolius on the eastern slopes of Mt. Rose at approximately 6,500 feet elevation.

Host Associations

Cercocarpus ledifolius - breeding Confirmed breeding association; one of nine buprestid confirmed to breed in dead branches of Cercocarpus

Behavior

are cryptic on tree bark and can be difficult to detect visually despite their metallic appearance. When alarmed, they may dodge to the backside of branches and flee rapidly.

Similar Taxa

Dicerca obscuraSimilar member with cryptic bark-dwelling habits and metallic coloration, but associated primarily with Diospyros (persimmon) rather than Cercocarpus
Dicerca luridaCommon eastern North American with similar cryptic appearance on tree bark, but associated primarily with Carya (hickories) and other hardwoods

More Details

Subspecies

Three are recognized: Dicerca hornii ampliata Casey, Dicerca hornii hornii Crotch 1873 (nominate), and Dicerca hornii nelsoni Beer 1974

Collection notes

The is considered rare in collections. Ted C. MacRae listed D. hornii nelsoni as a desideratum species for his North American Buprestidae collection in 2013, indicating limited availability of specimens