Jewel beetles (Buprestidae)


Jewel beetles (Buprestidae)

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7 Mar 2025

Since 1 Jan 2025, NatureMapr 44% of all sightings uploaded were NSW based, while 43% were from the ACT.The remaining 13% were from other states, with VIC coming in third at 5%.Strictly speaking, 67% o...


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Discussion

entom2 wrote:
Yesterday
OK, Diphucrania it is. Cheers, Allen

Diphucrania sp. (genus)
MarkH wrote:
Yesterday
I agree with you Kimberi. There are a number of Diphucrania species that look similar to this so I’m happy sticking with that genus

Diphucrania sp. (genus)
KimberiRP wrote:
Yesterday
This does resemble some images identified as Hypocisseis nigrosericea in iNaturalist and ALA, but it doesn't have the heavily sculptured head and pronotum typical of Hypocisseis.

Diphucrania sp. (genus)
entom2 wrote:
Yesterday
This may be in the genus Hypocisseis. Cheers, Allen.

Diphucrania sp. (genus)
entom2 wrote:
28 Feb 2025
Hi Miranda, I agree with Mark. Closest to the genus Torresita, if not in that genus.

What would have been its length?

Certainly specimens need to be collected (if possible,,asap before the current season ends, else next season). Occurring on an Exocarpus is also interesting, so looking for more on Exocarpus could prove fruitful. Adults are likely to be (or may not be - who knows?) nectar feeders, so on sunny days also look on any flowers of plants that might still have some flower on them, mainly in Bursaria, Hakea, Grevillea, Leptospermum, and Eucalyptus. You are best to take a collecting net with you (else scoop the foliage or flowers you see one on into an upside umbrella and grab them very quickly before they fly off), and a number of screw-top pill jars with small holes punched in the lids, or small takeaway sauce containers (no need for holes in those, their lids don't seal). Place a bit of dry twig or very dry leaf in each container as well so the specimens have something to grab onto, else there is a risk that they chew their own legs and antennae off.

As well as specimens for the ANIC, like you, I would also love to photograph this species alive. If interested, please check out the book on Australian Jewel Beetles that I am a co-author of, chock full of my pics of live jewel beetles that I have photographed since 1980: https://www.publish.csiro.au/book/8110/

I note the observation site is within Koscuiszko National Park. While the species may occur outside of the park, if interested, I can authorise you to collect for me within the national park as I am the holder of a current scientific licence to collect in all National Parks, Nature Reserves and the like in NSW, and have the ability to authorise people to collect on my behalf.

Good hunting Miranda!

Cheers,
Allen M. Sundholm OAM

Melobasis sp. (genus)
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