Buprestidae: Jewel Beetles or Metallic Wood-Boring Beetles
Buprestidae, commonly known as jewel beetles or metallic wood-boring beetles, are a large and diverse family of beetles distinguished by their iridescent, metallic-colored exoskeletons. The family includes over 15,500 species, making it one of the largest beetle families in the world. The larvae of these beetles are called flathead borers, named for the flattened appearance of their head region, and they are known for their wood-boring behavior. These beetles are found across a wide range of habitats, from forests to grasslands, and are particularly notable for their ecological roles as both beneficial and harmful organisms. Metallic Wood-Boring Beetles
Description
Buprestid beetles exhibit a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors, depending on the species. Adult beetles can range from as small as a few millimeters to up to 2.5 cm in length. Their bodies are often flattened and can appear either dull or brilliantly metallic, depending on the species. The colors of these beetles are typically iridescent and may include shades of green, gold, blue, purple, or copper. This striking coloration is one of the key characteristics that gives them their common name of “jewel beetles.”
The beetles’ bodies are often elongated, though some species are squat and compact. Prominent features include large, often protruding eyes and antennae that are typically serrated or saw-like. Their elytra (wing covers) are hard and smooth, providing protection for the delicate wings underneath.
We recommend:
jeweled beetles, ground beetles, longhorn beetles, goliath beetle, stag beetle, carpet beetles
Buprestid Beetles
Books about Beetles
Unique pictorial atlases for identifying Beetles:
(2020) Tiger Beetles of the World, Cicindelidae, Illustrated guide to the genera
(2023) Tiger Beetles of Africa, Cicindelidae, Geographical guide to the family Cicindelidae
(2024) Tiger Beetles of Orient, Cicindelidae, Geographical guide to the family Cicindelidae
(2022) Ground Beetles of Africa, Afrotropical Region
(2022) Jewel Beetles of the World, Buprestidae, Illustrated guide to the Superfamily Buprestoidea
(2008) The Prionids of the World, Prioninae, Illustrated catalogue of the Beetles
(2010) The Prionids of the Neotropical region, Prioninae, Illustrated catalogue of the Beetles
Life History
Buprestidae undergo a complete metamorphosis, progressing through four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The life cycle begins when the female beetle lays her eggs on the bark of a host tree or other plant. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae (often called flathead borers due to the flat shape of their head) begin to tunnel into the wood or plant tissue. The larvae are highly specialized wood-borers, creating intricate galleries as they move through the plant. These galleries can be extensive, sometimes spanning the entire length of the tree or stem.
During the larval stage, the beetles feed on the inner wood, eventually forming a pupal chamber where they undergo the transformation into an adult. The pupal stage occurs inside these tunnels, protected from external threats. After pupation, the adult beetles emerge through a small hole, often at the surface of the wood or bark, to begin the cycle again.
Some species of Buprestidae also feed on foliage, mining leaves or stems of grasses and other plants, though wood-boring behavior is the most characteristic trait for most members of this family.
Metallic Wood-Boring Beetles
Ecological Impact
The ecological role of Buprestidae is complex, as some species are significant pests, while others play beneficial roles in ecosystems. Many Buprestid beetles are considered secondary pests, attacking stressed, weakened, or dying trees and plants. They often target plants that have been damaged by disease, drought, or other environmental stresses. In these cases, the beetles act as natural decomposers, breaking down the dead or dying wood and contributing to nutrient cycling in ecosystems.
However, certain species, especially the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), are highly destructive and can cause significant damage to forests and urban trees. The emerald ash borer, for example, has devastated ash tree populations in North America. This species tunnels beneath the bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, which ultimately leads to tree death. Because they tend to target healthy trees as well as those that are already stressed, some Buprestid beetles can contribute to rapid declines in local tree populations, making them an important pest in forestry management.
While the larvae cause most of the damage, adult beetles also feed on pollen and nectar, but their feeding does not typically cause direct harm to plants. Instead, their primary ecological significance lies in the destruction of wood and the potential spread of tree diseases.
Buprestid Beetles
Control Measures
Managing Buprestidae infestations, especially in commercial forestry or urban settings, can be challenging. Effective control strategies often focus on maintaining tree health and minimizing stress factors that attract these beetles. Proper planting, watering, and fertilization can help trees resist infestations. Additionally, monitoring trees for early signs of infestation, such as woodpecker damage or the presence of small exit holes, can allow for early intervention.
Wounded or weakened trees should be pruned and treated to prevent infestation. In cases of severe infestations, chemical treatments or insecticidal sprays may be necessary, particularly for high-value trees. For example, insecticides that target the larvae can be effective in controlling the spread of pests like the emerald ash borer.
To prevent the spread of infestations, it is important to promptly remove and destroy any pruned or dead material from the site, as these can serve as breeding grounds for the beetles.
Notable Species
There are many notable species of Buprestidae, but some stand out due to their economic and ecological impact. One of the most well-known is Agrilus planipennis, the emerald ash borer. This beetle has become infamous for its role in the destruction of ash tree populations in North America, and it is responsible for billions of dollars in economic losses, particularly in urban and forested areas where ash trees are common.
Another notable species is Agrilus biguttatus, also known as the oak splendour beetle. This species is metallic green with white spots on its wing covers and is a significant pest of oak trees. While it does not have the widespread impact of the emerald ash borer, it can still cause damage to oak populations, particularly when trees are stressed or weakened.
Conclusion Buprestid Beetles
Buprestidae is a fascinating and diverse family of beetles, with more than 15,500 species across the globe. While some species play beneficial roles as decomposers, others can have a significant negative impact on forestry and urban tree management, particularly in the case of destructive pests like the emerald ash borer. Buprestid Beetles. The striking metallic appearance of these beetles and their complex life cycles make them a subject of ongoing interest in both ecological studies and pest management efforts. Buprestidae Beetles. Understanding the biology, behavior, and control of these beetles is crucial for mitigating their impact on trees and forests worldwide.
