Melobasis purpurascens (Fabricius, 1801) (a species of jewel-beetle)

Semmens, T.D., McQuillan, P.B. & Hayhurst, G. (1992). Catalogue of the Insects of Tasmania. Government of Tasmania: Department of Primary Industry, 104 pp.

TMAG collections

Typical length (mm): 10
Flightedness: winged and assumed capable of flight

Source literature on morphology and taxonomy (*primary taxonomic source, where identified):
Cowie, D. (2001). Jewel beetles of Tasmania: a field naturalist’s guide. Hobart: Tas. Field. Nat. Club, 41 pages.
*Fabricius, J.C. (1801). Systema Eleutheratorum secundum ordines, genera, species: adiectis synonymis, locis, observationibus, descriptionibus. 2. Bibl. Acad. Nov., Kill., 610 pages.

Assumed larval feeding: wood-feeder
Association with dead wood or old trees: obligately saproxylic

Ecological attributes: — Helichrysum dendroideum is a host-plant (Cowie, 2001).

Collection method(s) for TMAG material: — Hand collection (substrate not specified).

Source ecological literature:
Cowie, D. (2001). Jewel beetles of Tasmania: a field naturalist’s guide. Hobart: Tas. Field Naturalists Club, 41 pages.