About Anthaxia umbellatarum (Fabricius, 1787)
This species is a typically shiny beetle that ranges from 4.5 to 7 millimeters in length. Two recognized subspecies have distinct coloration patterns. The European nominate subspecies, Anthaxia umbellatarum umbellatarum, usually has a bright copper-colored upper side, an ore-colored underside, and a head that can appear bluish. The North African subspecies Anthaxia umbellatarum domina is unicolored silky green, or partially or entirely golden. Anthaxia umbellatarum is a holomediterranean species widespread across North Africa, southern Europe extending from Portugal to the Middle East, and southern Russia. Older records of this species from Central Europe are not supported by evidence, and may be the result of incorrect identification.
