Plinthocoelium

Schmidt, 1924

Species Guides

Plinthocoelium schwarzi(Tamaulipan Bumelia Borer)
Plinthocoelium suaveolens(Bumelia Borer)

Plinthocoelium is a of longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) in the tribe Callichromatini. The genus contains approximately 9 distributed across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The most well-known species, Plinthocoelium suaveolens, is notable for its large size, brilliant iridescent green coloration, and extremely long orange-and-black banded legs. Members of this genus are associated with woody plants in the Sapotaceae, particularly Sideroxylon species.

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Plinthocoelium: //ˌplɪn.θəˈsiː.li.əm//

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Images

Habitat

Xeric limestone glades, dry woodlands, and riparian corridors. In the White River Hills region of southwestern Missouri, associated with hilltop glades ("balds") featuring deeply dissected limestone/dolomite bedrock. The plant Sideroxylon lanuginosum (gum bumelia) is one of few woody naturally adapted to these xeric glade conditions.

Distribution

Mexico (widespread including Baja California, Chiapas, Durango, Jalisco, Oaxaca, Puebla, Sonora, Sinaloa), United States (southeastern states from Delaware to Florida and west to Texas; southwestern states including Arizona, New Mexico, Texas), Dominican Republic, Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Bahamas, Nicaragua, Rica. The reaches its northeastern limit in Missouri at Long Bald Glade Natural Area.

Seasonality

primarily active during July and August; records extend into September in Missouri. Peak activity occurs during the hottest part of the day (2–4 PM).

Diet

feed on nectar and possibly other substances at flowers of plants. Larvae bore in roots and trunks of living Sideroxylon lanuginosum (gum bumelia).

Host Associations

Sideroxylon lanuginosum - larval Larvae tunnel through living roots and trunk bases, ejecting . perch on lower trunks and visit flowers.

Life Cycle

Larvae develop in living roots and lower trunk bases of trees, creating clean galleries and ejecting . Larval development likely spans multiple years given the large size of . Adults emerge in mid-summer.

Behavior

are extremely wary and difficult to approach; they detect observers from several feet away and flee quickly. They are attracted to fermenting baits. Adults fly with legs and held outstretched. When alarmed, they may fly or rapidly crawl up tree trunks.

Ecological Role

Larval tunneling in living roots contributes to nutrient cycling and wood decomposition. The serves as prey for birds and other animals.

Human Relevance

Subject of interest for entomologists and nature photographers due to striking appearance. Occasionally encountered by the public in backyards when wander from natural . Not a pest of structures or living trees outside its native associations.

Similar Taxa

Other CallichromatiniShare large size and metallic coloration, but Plinthocoelium distinguished by combination of green , coppery and pronotum, and extremely long orange-and-black banded legs.
Plinthocoelium schwarziSimilar congeneric distinguished by black (not orange) ; occurs in Texas.
Plinthocoelium suaveolens plicatum with bronze or cupreous tints and weak transverse rugae on pronotum; occurs in southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico versus southeastern nominate subspecies.

More Details

Conservation context

Missouri occur in glade that have been significantly reduced due to overgrazing and fire suppression, with woody encroachment by Juniperus virginiana threatening remaining habitat. Management efforts including mechanical removal, controlled burns, and managed grazing aim to restore these systems.

Taxonomic history

The was described by Schmidt in 1924. The nominate P. suaveolens suaveolens and P. suaveolens plicatum intermingle in northeastern Texas.