Dicerca sexualis

Distinguished from other Dicerca species by a combination of morphological characters; specific diagnostic features for D. sexualis require reference to Nelson's 1975 revision of the genus. The species occurs in western North America, which may help separate it from similar eastern species. As with all Dicerca, the combination of large size, metallic coloration with strong sculpturing, and association with dead hardwoods indicates genus membership.

Associated with woodland habitats containing dead or dying hardwood trees. Based on genus ecology, likely found in forests and woodlands where host trees occur.

Nearctic region; recorded from western North America including British Columbia, Canada. Distribution details are sparse in available sources.

Adults active year-round, as is characteristic of the genus Dicerca. Adults may be found even during winter, hibernating under loose bark.

Exhibits cryptic behavior typical of the genus: adults rest on bark of host trees where their coloration and sculpturing render them nearly invisible. Rapidly colonizes freshly dead or wind-thrown trees while wood remains hard.

Woodboring beetle contributing to decomposition of dead hardwoods. Larvae tunnel in dead wood, aiding in nutrient cycling and wood breakdown.

Collected by entomologists; included in the T.C. MacRae Collection (TCMC) as part of a comprehensive jewel beetle inventory. Listed as a desideratum species for North American collection completeness.

• Dicerca obscuraSimilar size and cryptic habits, but D. obscura is primarily eastern North American and associated with persimmon (Diospyros virginiana).
• Dicerca luridaCommon eastern species with similar appearance and ecology; distinguished by distribution and likely host preferences.
• Other Dicerca speciesMany species in genus share cryptic metallic appearance and woodboring habits; precise identification requires examination of specific morphological characters per Nelson (1975).

• jewel beetle
• woodboring
• cryptic
• Nearctic
• Buprestidae

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Let’s make a deal! | Beetles In The Bush
• The Marvelously Cryptic Dicerca lurida | Beetles In The Bush
• The “obscure” Dicerca | Beetles In The Bush