False Jewel Beetles

Schizopodidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Buprestoidea
Family: Schizopodidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Schizopodidae: //ˌskɪzoʊˈpɒdɪdiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Summary

Schizopodidae, known as False Jewel Beetles, is a family of beetles within the superfamily Buprestoidea, characterized by their metallic colors and unique morphological features. They are primarily found in desert habitats of the southwestern United States and northern Baja California, with limited knowledge about their biology and ecology.

Physical Characteristics

Distinguished from Buprestidae in having a wide metepisternum and deeply lobed fourth tarsomere. Head flat to concave in front. Adults range from 6.2 to 18.0 mm in length.

Identification Tips

Look for the wide metepisternum and the distinct shape of the fourth tarsomere. Adults are typically found clinging to plants.

Habitat

Desert areas, primarily in the southwestern United States to northern Baja California.

Distribution

Southern Nevada, southwestern Arizona, California, and northern Baja California.

Diet

Adults visit flowers, perch on dry foliage, or feed on foliage of presumed larval host plants (e.g., Dystaxia, Glyptoscelimorpha).

Life Cycle

Limited information, but larvae are presumed to be external root feeders.

Collecting Methods

Visual surveys on flowering plants
Collecting from foliage

Preservation Methods

Pinning
Preservation in ethanol

Evolution

Originally classified as a subfamily until elevated to family status in 1991; part of the superfamily Buprestoidea.

Similar Taxa

Buprestidae

Misconceptions

Often confused with members of the more prominent Buprestidae family due to similar appearance.