Chrysobothris humilis
This record describes Chrysobothris humilis (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Rick Westcott says it is likely the male of Ch. humilis . This species exhibits one of the more extreme examples of sexual dichroism found in the Buprestidae . Males (black with red humeral patches) mimic models of the beetle subfamily Clytrinae, while females (metallic green) do not. This gender-specific dichroism is thought to be a result of spatial partitioning of the habitat, with males more active in conspicuous locations and thereby experiencing selective pressures that females are able to avoid (Hespenheide 1976). The species was described first from a female ; the male was later described under another name, Ch. cupreohumeralis . --T.C. MacRae, 3.i.2008
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
s.CA to w.TX, NV / Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae in catclaw acacia ( Senegalia greggii )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chrysobothris humilis Horn 1886
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chrysobothris humilis. 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.
Photos of Chrysobothris humilis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysobothris humilis
What is Chrysobothris humilis?
Chrysobothris humilis is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Chrysobothris humilis?
Rick Westcott says it is likely the male of Ch. humilis . This species exhibits one of the more extreme examples of sexual dichroism found in the Buprestidae . Males (black with red humeral patches) mimic models of the beetle subfamily Clytrinae, while females (metallic green) do not. This gender-specific dichroism is thought to be a result of spatial partitioning of the habitat, with males more active in conspicuous locations and thereby experiencing selective pressures that females are able to avoid (Hespenheide 1976). The species was described first from a female ; the male was later described under another name, Ch. cupreohumeralis . --T.C. MacRae, 3.i.2008
Where is Chrysobothris humilis found?
Range: s.CA to w.TX, NV / Mex. - Map
What does Chrysobothris humilis eat?
The diet of the Chrysobothris humilis includes Larvae in catclaw acacia ( Senegalia greggii ).