Appearance
The species exhibits sexual dimorphism. Males are metallic green above and below with two black to black-blue longitundinal stripes on the pronotum. Female colouration varies, usually the elytra are also green, while the pronotum is reddish-gold, but has the same black to black-blue longitudinal stripes. The underside is purplish-gold. Hair is inconspicuous, except on the forehead in both sexes.Naming
"Anthaxia sponsa" was caught and first described by Kiesenwetter himself in the surroundings of Athens. The species name "sponsa" is to be seen in connection with the species name "Anthaxia nupta". "Sponsa", meaning "beloved", "betrothed" or "bride" is essentially a comparison to "nupta" meaning "bride" or "wife". Kiesenwetter in his publication describes "Anthaxia nupta" as very similar to "Anthaxia sponsa", but less beautifully colored, with a "sculpture" not as defined, and a generally more abraded look.References:
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