Flatheaded Appletree Borer

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chrysobothris femorata: //ˌkrɪsoʊˈbɒθrɪs ˌfɛmɔˈreɪtə//

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Summary

Chrysobothris femorata, commonly known as the flatheaded appletree borer, is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It has a wide host range and is particularly noteworthy for its economic impact on fruit crops in North America.

Physical Characteristics

♂ 7.0–12.2 mm, ♀ 9.6–14.2 mm; antennae yellowish-green and become reddish toward the apex; clypeus more rounded than in C. adelpha; elytral apices distinctly cupreous, posteriolateral margins of the elytra more abruptly narrowed than in related species.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinct cupreous elytral apices and the rounded clypeus which differs from related species.

Habitat

Typically found on fruit trees and other hardwoods in North America and Central America.

Distribution

From Canada (NS-BC) to Mexico; more common east of the Continental Divide.

Diet

Larvae feed on many fruit trees and other hardwoods, but typically not on oaks.

Life Cycle

Overwinter as larvae and pupate the following spring. One generation per year.

Reproduction

Eggs are laid under bark scales or in crevices on the main trunk or larger branches.

Ecosystem Role

Considered economically important due to its ability to infest fruit trees and hardwoods.

Economic Impact

Considered economically important due to its pest status on fruit trees.

Collecting Methods

• Hand collecting from infested trees
• Using baited traps

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol preservation
• Pinned specimens

Similar Taxa

• C. adelpha
• Buprestis species

Misconceptions

Some may confuse it with other metallic wood-boring beetles which have similar characteristics.

Tags

• insect
• beetle
• pest
• Buprestidae
• Chrysobothris femorata