Dicerca lugubris
LeConte, 1860
Dicerca lugubris is a jewel beetle in the Buprestidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1860. It is characterized by dark metallic coloration and moderate size among its . The species has been recorded from scattered localities across northern and central North America, with documented association with jack pine (Pinus banksiana). Like other members of the Dicerca, it is a woodboring whose larvae develop in dead or dying trees.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dicerca lugubris: /dɪˈsɛrkə luˈɡjubrɪs/
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Identification
Distinguished from similar Dicerca by its dark-cupreous coloration combined with black-cupreous surface. Size range (11–16.5 mm) overlaps with several ; geographic distribution and association with jack pine may aid identification. The species D. lurida is generally larger and more brassy-gold in coloration with different host preferences (hickories). D. obscura is larger still and associated with persimmon.
Images
Appearance
Dark-cupreous colored dorsally and black-cupreous ventrally. Body length 11.1–16.5 mm, width 4.1–6.0 mm. Moderately sized for the , with metallic luster typical of Buprestidae.
Habitat
Associated with jack pine forests. Specific microhabitat requirements are poorly documented, but based on , likely colonizes dead or dying jack pine trees and branches.
Distribution
Recorded from Lake Superior region (Marquette, Michigan), Laniel in western Quebec, Iowa, Alberta, and southeastern North America. GBIF records confirm presence in Alberta and Manitoba, Canada. Distribution appears disjunct, with in the Great Lakes region, central plains, and Canadian prairie provinces.
Diet
Larvae feed on jack pine (Pinus banksiana). feeding habits are not documented.
Host Associations
- Pinus banksiana - larval food plantjack pine
Life Cycle
Larval development occurs within wood of trees. Specific details on voltinism, larval instars, and sites are not documented for this . Based on related Dicerca species, may be present year-round and can overwinter under bark.
Behavior
Presumed to share cryptic typical of the : rest on bark of trees where metallic coloration provides camouflage against weathered wood. Has been observed to rapidly colonize freshly dead host material.
Ecological Role
Woodboring that contributes to decomposition of dead jack pine wood. Serves as prey for bark-foraging birds and other .
Human Relevance
Minor economic significance; may be encountered in jack pine forestry or timber operations. Of interest to coleopterists due to its scattered distribution and association with a commercially important conifer .
Similar Taxa
- Dicerca luridaLarger size (typically), more brassy-gold coloration, and primary association with hickories (Carya spp.) rather than conifers
- Dicerca obscuraLarger size, different association (persimmon, Diospyros virginiana; also recorded from staghorn sumac), and more eastern distribution
- Dicerca asperataDifferent surface sculpturing with more patches, and different preferences
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1860. Placed in Chrysochroinae, tribe Dicercini. The specific epithet 'lugubris' (Latin for mournful or dark) likely refers to its somber dark-cupreous coloration.
Collection notes
Like other Dicerca , are easily overlooked in the field due to cryptic coloration matching bark of trees, despite being conspicuous as pinned specimens.