Poecilonota thureura
(Say, 1832)
Poecilonota thureura is a of metallic wood-boring beetle in the Buprestidae. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the United States. It has been collected as prey by the biosurveillance Cerceris fumipennis, which specializes in capturing buprestid beetles. The species is considered uncommon in collections.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Poecilonota thureura: /ˌpiːsɪləˈnoʊtə θjʊˈrɪʊrə/
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Distribution
Nearctic region; recorded from Manitoba and Saskatchewan in Canada, and from the United States. Specific U.S. state records include Louisiana based on biosurveillance collections.
Host Associations
- Salix nigra - larval One specimen was captured on a tent beneath a black willow branch, suggesting the branch may have been the source; the branch was collected for rearing to confirm the association.
Human Relevance
Collected as part of biosurveillance efforts using Cerceris fumipennis to detect buprestid beetles, including for monitoring emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) spread. A batch of over 500 buprestid specimens from Louisiana C. fumipennis collections included rare such as P. thureura, contributing to new state records and ongoing research.
Similar Taxa
- Poecilonota cyanipesSame , similar size and general form; P. thureura distinguished by specific elytral markings and coloration pattern.
- Poecilonota ferreaSame with overlapping North American range; requires examination of elytral and coloration for separation.
More Details
Biosurveillance collections
In Louisiana, Cerceris fumipennis collections yielded a specimen of P. thureura among 500+ buprestid specimens, representing one of the rarest in that material and contributing to three new state records. The author noted this experience catalyzed efforts to locate C. fumipennis in Missouri.
Collection method
The Oklahoma specimen was captured on a tent beneath a Salix nigra (black willow) tree, leading to collection of the branch for rearing to confirm larval association.