Chrysophora Dejean, 1821

Moore, Matthew R., Jameson, Mary L., Garner, Beulah H., Audibert, Cedric, Smith, Andrew B. T. & Seidel, Matthias, 2017, Synopsis of the pelidnotine scarabs (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Rutelinae, Rutelini) and annotated catalog of the species and subspecies, ZooKeys 666, pp. 1-349 : 1

Chrysophora Dejean, 1821 Fig. 13

Type species.

Melolontha chrysochlora Latreille, 1812.

Species.

1 species; length 25-42 mm.

The dazzling, metallic green Chrysophora chrysochlora is a distinctive species and the only member of its genus. The large size, conspicuously rugose elytra, and elongate legs of the male are distinguishing characteristics. Additional characters include the metatibia of the male that is prolonged and acuminate at the apex, the 5th tarsomere with an internal tooth (all legs), the mandibles that are broadly rounded externally, the pronotum with a complete bead, and the mesosternum that is not appreciably produced beyond mesometasternal suture. Research is needed to examine sister-group relationships of this monotypic genus.

The species is distributed in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru where the Jivaro, Shuar, and Sequoia Indians use the elytra, pronota, legs, or entire body for adornment ( Ratcliffe 2006, Ratcliffe et al. 2015, Le Tirant and Limoges 2016). The species is primarily found in dry and humid tropical forest between 180-550 m elevation ( Pardo-Locarno and Morón 2007), although the species is recorded between 500-1000 m elevation ( Morón 1990). The species is associated with Buddleja L. ( Scrophulariaceae ), Gynerium sagittatum (Aubl.) Beauvois ( Poaceae ; arrow cane, wild cane) (both Ohaus 1934b), Senna reticulata (Willd.) H. S. Irwin and Barneby ( Leguminosae ), and Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit ( Leguminosae ) (both Pardo-Locarno and Morón 2007). Adults feed on the leaves of G. sagittatum during the day ( Ohaus 1934b) from February to May ( Morón 1990), and they fly at twilight or at night ( Ohaus 1934b). Larvae and pupae are described and share several characters with Pelidnota larvae and pupae ( Pardo-Locarno and Morón 2007).

Figures

Figure 13. Chrysophora chrysochlora (Latreille) male exemplar specimen from MSPC. A Dorsal habitus B Lateral habitus C Male genitalia, lateral view D Parameres, dorsal view.