Buprestidae

Definition

A large family of beetles (order Coleoptera, superfamily Buprestoidea) commonly known as jewel beetles or metallic wood-boring beetles, characterized by adults with glossy, often iridescent cuticles and larvae that are elongate, dorsoventrally flattened borers in wood or stems. The family comprises approximately 15,500 described species in 775 genera, with larvae frequently called flatheaded borers. Adults are often collected at light or on sun-exposed wood, and several species are significant forest pests (e.g., emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis).

Etymology

From the type genus Buprestis (Greek buprestis, a beetle held to be poisonous to cattle) + -idae (family suffix).

Example

Agrilus planipennis (emerald ash borer), a destructive invasive species in North America, belongs to the family Buprestidae; its flattened larvae tunnel under ash bark, creating diagnostic D-shaped exit holes.

Synonyms

• jewel beetles
• Metallic wood-boring beetles
• flatheaded borers (larvae)
• buprestids

Related Terms

• Coleoptera
• Polyphaga
• Elateriformia
• Buprestoidea
• Agrilus
• Buprestis
• flatheaded borer
• wood-boring beetle
• iridescence
• elytron

Usage Notes

Used as a plural proper noun in taxonomic contexts ("the Buprestidae are..."); individual species or specimens are referred to as "buprestids." The common name "jewel beetle" emphasizes adult appearance, while "metallic wood-boring beetle" and "flatheaded borer" emphasize larval ecology and morphology. Not to be confused with Cerambycidae (longhorn beetles), another wood-boring family with cylindrical larvae. Some authorities recognize up to seven extant subfamilies (Agrilinae, Buprestinae, Chrysochroinae, Galbellinae, Julodinae, Polycestinae).