Chrysobothris purpureoplagiata
This record describes Chrysobothris purpureoplagiata (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Note reddish-copper color on the forelegs. (per Richard L. Westcott, 23 September, 2013) Type Locality: Florence, Pinal Co., AZ
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
CA-AZ / Mex.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae host in crucifixion thorn - Canotia holacantha (Celastraceae) and smoketree - Psorothamnus spinosus (Fabaceae) adults also on Acacia and Larrea
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chrysobothris purpureoplagiata. 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 purpureoplagiata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Richard L. Westcott; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysobothris purpureoplagiata
What is Chrysobothris purpureoplagiata?
Chrysobothris purpureoplagiata is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Chrysobothris purpureoplagiata?
6-7 mm (Schaeffer 1904)
How do you identify Chrysobothris purpureoplagiata?
Note reddish-copper color on the forelegs. (per Richard L. Westcott, 23 September, 2013)
Where is Chrysobothris purpureoplagiata found?
Range: CA-AZ / Mex.
What does Chrysobothris purpureoplagiata eat?
The diet of the Chrysobothris purpureoplagiata includes larvae host in crucifixion thorn - Canotia holacantha (Celastraceae) and smoketree - Psorothamnus spinosus (Fabaceae) adults also on Acacia and Larrea.