computamus

Computamus is a small genus of beetles in the family Buprestidae, commonly referred to as jewel beetles. The genus was first described in the late 19th century by the entomologist Victor H. Dejean, who noted its distinctive metallic sheen and elongated body shape that differentiate it from related genera. Species of Computamus are typically 8–12 millimetres in length and display a range of iridescent colors from deep greens to electric blues, a characteristic trait of many Buprestid beetles.

The distribution of Computamus species is restricted to the Mediterranean basin, where they are usually associated with xeric scrubland and rocky outcrops. The larvae develop in the stems of thorny shrubs such as Pistacia and certain species of Artemisia, feeding on the internal tissues and eventually emerging as adults during the late spring and early summer. Adult beetles are generally photophilic and can often be found basking on sunlit surfaces.

Several studies have examined the phylogenetic relationships of Computamus within the Buprestidae. Molecular analyses, particularly those using mitochondrial COI gene sequences, suggest that the genus represents a distinct lineage that diverged from other Mediterranean Buprestid lineages during the Pliocene. Morphological comparisons highlight the unique configuration of the pronotum and elytral striae as key diagnostic features.

Conservation status for most Computamus species has not been formally assessed by the IUCN, but their restricted habitats and dependence on specific host plants render them vulnerable to habitat loss and climate change. Continued taxonomic and ecological research is recommended to clarify species boundaries and inform potential conservation measures.