COLEOPTERA: Buprestidae

Members of the family Buprestidae are called jewel beetles or metallic wood-boring beetles. There are over 15,000 species known worldwide (classified in over 750 genera). Larvae typically live in dead or dying branches of trees (as well as fallen logs). The larvae typically have a flattened appearance. The introduced Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, 1888) is a member of this family.

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Agrilus obsoletoguttatus Gory, 1841. This beetle species does not have a common name. It is found throughout eastern North America. Larvae bore in a variety of hardwood species. This specimen was collected in a malaise trap by Mark DuBois in Marshall Co., Illinois.

Chrysobothris femorata (Olivier, 1790). The common name for this beetle species is flatheaded apple tree borer. It is found throughout the continental United States (except Alaska). Larvae bore in the wood of over 30 species of deciduous trees. The life cycle is typically completed in one year. This specimen was collected in a malaise trap by Mark DuBois in Marshall Co., Illinois.

Dicerca divaricata (Say, 1823). This species does not have a common name. Larvae feed on sapwood and dead wood of maple, elm, and hickory. This specimen was collected in a malaise trap by Mark DuBois in Marshall Co., Illinois.

Texania campestris (Say, 1823). The common name for this species is hardwood heartwood buprestid. These beetles are often encountered when using a beating sheet on tree limbs. This specimen was collected in a malaise trap by Mark DuBois in Marshall Co., Illinois.