ColeopteraBuprestidae – Metallic Wood-boring Beetles

Chrysobothris adelpha

This record describes Chrysobothris adelpha (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Chrysobothris adelpha - Chrysobothris adelpha
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

can be distinguished from C. femorata by the acutely notched clypeus, male genitalia, and male antenna narrowed to apex (J.P. Basham, 24.vi.2006)

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Buprestoidea
Family
Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-boring Beetles)
Subfamily
Buprestinae
Tribe
Chrysobothrini
Genus
Chrysobothris

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

TX-FL-QC-IA

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Larvae in Carya spp. (usually), also Prosopis, Amelanchier ; adults on maple, ash and oak ( 3 )

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Chrysobothris adelpha Harold 1869

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chrysobothris adelpha. Species-specific details appear above.

Group overview

Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.

Ecological role of the group

Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.

Economic and practical significance of the group

Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.

Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Chrysobothris adelpha (5)

Chrysobothris adelpha - photo 1
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Chrysobothris adelpha - photo 2
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Chrysobothris adelpha - photo 3
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Chrysobothris adelpha - photo 4
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Chrysobothris adelpha - photo 5
Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysobothris adelpha

What is Chrysobothris adelpha?

Chrysobothris adelpha is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Chrysobothris adelpha?

♂ 7.6–12.9 mm, ♀ 8.9–16.0 mm

How do you identify Chrysobothris adelpha?

can be distinguished from C. femorata by the acutely notched clypeus, male genitalia, and male antenna narrowed to apex (J.P. Basham, 24.vi.2006)

Where is Chrysobothris adelpha found?

Range: TX-FL-QC-IA

What does Chrysobothris adelpha eat?

The diet of the Chrysobothris adelpha includes Larvae in Carya spp. (usually), also Prosopis, Amelanchier ; adults on maple, ash and oak ( 3 ).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.