Xenorhipidini
Guides
Hesperorhipis
Hesperorhipis is a genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) containing four described species distributed in the southwestern United States. The genus belongs to the tribe Xenorhipidini, characterized by extreme sexual dimorphism in antennal structure: males possess highly modified flabellate or lamellate antennae with expanded distal segments, while females retain serrated antennae. Species in this genus exhibit abbreviated elytra that expose much of the abdomen, a trait that distinguishes them from related genera. The genus was established by Fall in 1930 and is currently under revision.
Hesperorhipis albofasciata
Hesperorhipis albofasciata is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, tribe Xenorhipidini. It is one of four species in the genus Hesperorhipis, which is restricted to Arizona and California. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in antennal structure and elytral abbreviation, with males possessing highly modified flabellate antennae and more abbreviated elytra than females. It has been reared exclusively from walnut (Juglans sp.).
Hesperorhipis hyperbola
A small metallic wood-boring beetle in the tribe Xenorhipidini, distinguished by abbreviated elytra and pronounced sexual dimorphism in antennal structure. The species was described by Knull in 1938 and includes two recognized subspecies. Like other members of its tribe, males possess highly modified flabellate antennae while females retain unmodified serrate antennae.
Hesperorhipis hyperbola californica
Hesperorhipis hyperbola californica is a subspecies of jewel beetle in the tribe Xenorhipidini, described by Knull in 1947. It is endemic to California and belongs to a genus characterized by highly abbreviated elytra, particularly in males. Members of this tribe exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism in antennal structure, with males possessing flabellate antennae adapted for detecting female sex pheromones. The subspecies is part of a small genus of four species restricted to Arizona and California.
Hesperorhipis jacumbae
Hesperorhipis jacumbae is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Knull in 1954. It belongs to the tribe Xenorhipidini, a group notable for extreme sexual dimorphism in male antennae. Like other members of its genus, it possesses abbreviated elytra that expose much of the abdomen. The species is found in North America, specifically in the southwestern United States.
Hesperorhipis mirabilis
Hesperorhipis mirabilis is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, tribe Xenorhipidini. It is one of four species in the genus Hesperorhipis, which is restricted to Arizona and California. The species is characterized by highly abbreviated elytra, particularly in males, and belongs to a tribe notable for extreme sexual dimorphism in antennal structure. Two subspecies are recognized: H. m. mirabilis and H. m. albopennis.
Hesperorhipis mirabilis albopennis
Hesperorhipis mirabilis albopennis is a subspecies of jewel beetle in the tribe Xenorhipidini, characterized by highly abbreviated elytra and sexually dimorphic antennae. Males possess extended flabellate antennae with olfactory sensillae, while females have unmodified serrate antennae. The subspecies was described by Knull in 1951 and occurs in western North America.
Knowltonia calida
Knowltonia calida is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in Central America and North America. The genus Knowltonia is characterized by extreme sexual dimorphism in antennae, with males possessing highly modified flabellate or bipectinate antennae while females retain unmodified serrate antennae. This antennal modification is presumed to function in detecting female sex pheromones.
Trichinorhipis
Trichinorhipis is a monotypic genus of jewel beetles (Buprestidae) endemic to southern California. The sole species, Trichinorhipis knulli, measures under 4 mm and exhibits distinctive sexual dimorphism in antennae: males possess fan-like (flabellate) antennae adapted for detecting female sex pheromones, while females have unmodified serrate antennae. The genus is placed in its own subtribe (Trichinorphidina) within the tribe Xenorhipidini due to unique morphological characters distinguishing it from related genera Hesperorhipis and Xenorhipis.
Trichinorhipis knulli
Knull's Metallic Wood-boring Beetle
Trichinorhipis knulli is a minute jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) endemic to southern California, where it occurs in Riverside and Imperial Counties. It is the sole member of its monotypic genus, distinguished from related genera by its entire elytra covering the full abdomen and broadly rounded pronotum lacking lateral margins. Males exhibit highly modified flabellate antennae with expanded lamellae bearing numerous olfactory sensillae, an adaptation for detecting female sex pheromones. The species is rarely encountered in the field; most specimens have been reared from dead branches of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis). At 3.6 mm, it is among the smallest buprestids.
Xenorhipidina
Xenorhipidina is a subtribe of metallic wood-boring beetles (family Buprestidae) established by Cobos in 1986. It is classified within the tribe Xenorhipidini, which belongs to the subfamily Buprestinae. The subtribe is part of the anthaxioid lineage within the buprestid phylogeny. The genus Hesperorhipis, described by Fall in 1930, is the primary genus assigned to this subtribe.
Xenorhipis osborni
Xenorhipis osborni is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, tribe Xenorhipidini. It is native to west Texas and adjacent regions of North America. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in antennae, with males possessing highly modified flabellate antennae bearing numerous olfactory sensillae, presumably for detecting female sex pheromones. Larval development occurs in dead branches of acacia species (Fabaceae), particularly black acacia (Vachellia rigidula) and catclaw acacia (Senegalia greggii).