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Date is correct for about 1/3 of these specimens. Added as a guide to help tell apart OK macra (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/235324327) from cuprascens. The first photo was taken indoors with my camera, the second under sunlit conditions outdoors with my phone, and the 3rd and 4th were taken with a microscope to highlight the texture differences.

Given the variability in middle band shape within the two species, the most reliable way to differentiate these is by the tip of the female's elytra: rounded in cuprascens, pointed in macra. Additionally, cuprascens tend to have a more glittery texture to the elytra with a more reflective sheen, while macra have smoother, duller coloration.

Also, while not necessarily useful on here, macra average about 20% larger. The average female cuprascens is about the same size as the average male macra.

Date is correct for about 1/5 of these specimens. Added as a guide to help tell apart OK macra from cuprascens (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/235324152). The first photo was taken indoors with my camera, the second under sunlit conditions outdoors with my phone, and the 3rd and 4th were taken with a microscope to highlight the texture differences.

Given the variability in middle band shape within the two species, the most reliable way to differentiate these is by the tip of the female's elytra: rounded in cuprascens, pointed in macra. Additionally, cuprascens tend to have a more glittery texture to the elytra with a more reflective sheen, while macra have smoother, duller coloration.

Also, while not necessarily useful on here, macra average about 20% larger. The average female cuprascens is about the same size as the average male macra.