Buprestis salisburyensis

Distinguished from other Buprestis species by the combination of: (1) large elytral punctures characteristic of subgenus Stereosa; (2) brilliant metallic blue-green coloration with bright red elytral margins; and (3) association with pine habitats. Most similar to other Stereosa members but color pattern is distinctive. Less skittish and slower to take flight than Chrysobothris species.

Medium to large jewel beetle with brilliant metallic blue-green coloration. Elytra have bright red margins along the edges. Large punctures on the elytra distinguish it as a member of subgenus Stereosa. The striking coloration may serve a cryptic function among pine needles.

Pine woodlands, particularly areas with Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana). Adults have been found on tree trunks and on rocks at tree bases. Larvae likely develop in pine wood. Associated with blufftop pine forests in at least one known locality.

Eastern North America. Documented from Tennessee (South Cumberland State Park, Grundy County) and Ontario, Canada. Distribution appears to be more restricted than many congeners.

Adults active in late May. Specific flight period duration unknown due to limited collection records.

• Pinus virginiana - larval_hostVirginia pine; adults found on trunks and at base of trees, larvae likely develop in wood

Adults are relatively calm and disinclined to flee compared to other buprestids. Have been observed sitting on tree trunks and rocks at tree bases. Adults of related Stereosa members have been beaten from needles of young, healthy pines, suggesting similar behavior may occur in this species.

Wood-boring beetle likely contributing to nutrient cycling in pine ecosystems. Larval tunneling in dead or dying pine wood creates habitat for other organisms.

Of interest to coleopterists and collectors due to striking appearance and relative rarity. No known economic significance.

• Buprestis striataBoth occur on Virginia pine in same habitat; distinguished by B. striata's ribbed elytra with alternate depressed, heavily punctate intervals (subgenus Cypriacis) versus B. salisburyensis's large punctures (subgenus Stereosa) and different coloration
• Buprestis confluentaBoth are brilliantly colored, relatively rare Buprestis species; distinguished by B. confluenta's emerald green with dense yellow flecks on elytra and association with cottonwood rather than pine

• metallic
• wood-borer
• pine-associated
• subgenus Stereosa
• rare
• Nearctic

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Buprestidae | Beetles In The Bush | Page 7
• A Buprestis hat-trick! | Beetles In The Bush
• Gryllotalpidae | Beetles In The Bush