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 (
Lat.), meaning "beloved", "betrothed" or "bride" is essentially a comparison to
nupta (Lat.) 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 ==