Paratyndaris prosopis

(Skinner, 1903)

Paratyndaris prosopis is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the Buprestidae. It is the only in its known to occur north and east of Texas, with records from Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Mississippi. have been collected from hackberry (Celtis), oak (Quercus), and mesquite (Prosopis). The species was described from a specimen reared from mesquite, though subsequent records suggest broader use.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Paratyndaris prosopis: /ˌpærəˈtɪndərɪs prɵˈsoʊpɪs/

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Identification

Chunky, robust body form typical of the Paratyndaris. The can be distinguished from other Paratyndaris by its distribution; it is the only member of the genus extending into the eastern United States beyond Texas.

Habitat

Associated with woody vegetation on mesas and in woodlands. have been collected from hackberry trees on gypsum-capped mesas and from mesquite in adjacent flats.

Distribution

North America: Oklahoma (Major County, Latimer County), Arkansas (Magazine Mountain), Mississippi (Oktibbeha County), and Texas. The Oklahoma records represent the northernmost known occurrences and a northward range extension from previously documented Texas .

Seasonality

active in early June. Collection records from June 2 in Oklahoma represent a full week earlier than the previous early record of June 9.

Host Associations

  • Celtis - collection siteCollected from dead hackberry branches on mesa tops in Oklahoma
  • Quercus - larval Reared from dead Quercus vaseyana branch in Davis Mountains, Texas; also recorded from oak in literature
  • Prosopis - type cut from dead mesquite branch; mesquite common in flats but not used by beetles on mesa tops in Oklahoma study area

Life Cycle

Larval development occurs in dead or dying branches of woody plants. emerge from host material.

Behavior

are not abundant even where present; beating of branches yields few individuals. Specimens appear to be limited to small, localized areas within suitable .

Similar Taxa

  • Paratyndaris speciesOther members of the are restricted to southwestern U.S. and Mexico; P. prosopis is distinguished by its eastern range extension.
  • Chrysobothris speciesSympatric jewel beetles on hackberry; P. prosopis recognized by chunkier body form and different elytral sculpturing.

Sources and further reading