Poecilonota cyanipes

(Say, 1823)

eastern poplar buprestid, eastern poplar jewel beetle

Poecilonota cyanipes is a metallic wood-boring in the , commonly known as the eastern poplar buprestid or eastern poplar . The is found throughout North America east of the Rocky Mountains. are associated exclusively with Populus and Salix species, where develop in dead or dying branches. The specific epithet 'cyanipes' refers to the coloration of the feet. Despite being described as the best-known and most commonly collected species of Poecilonota, field encounters can be infrequent and unpredictable, with abundance varying significantly based on timing and condition.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Poecilonota cyanipes: //ˌpɔɪkɪloʊˈnoʊtə ˌsaɪəˈnaɪpiːz//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

can be recognized by their coppery coloration and elongate, distinctly reddish elytral . The pronotal sides are non-, distinguishing this from the eastern P. ferrea, which has angulate pronotal sides. The feet (referenced in the specific epithet 'cyanipes') are another diagnostic feature. The overall body form is elongate and somewhat flattened typical of the .

Habitat

Associated with riparian and woodland supporting plants in the Populus and Salix. are found on living trees exhibiting branch dieback, particularly on lower branches of small, stunted, or stressed trees. Larval development occurs in dead or dying branches, often in association with pre-existing made by other wood-boring such as Saperda concolor in poplar or Agrilus criddlei in willow.

Distribution

North America east of the Rocky Mountains. Recorded from much of the United States and Canada, including Alberta and British Columbia.

Seasonality

activity peaks in late spring to early summer (May–June), coinciding with the general activity period for in temperate North America. Activity declines precipitously by late June to early July.

Diet

feed within dead or dying wood of Populus and Salix ( Salicaceae). feeding habits are not explicitly documented in available sources.

Host Associations

Populus deltoides - larval eastern cottonwood,
Populus nigra 'Italica' - larval Lombardy poplar,
Salix nigra - larval black willow
Salix spp. - larval willows generally

Life Cycle

with , larval, pupal, and stages. are wood-borers that develop within dead or dying branches of plants, often utilizing pre-existing galleries from other . Adults emerge from wood in late spring. Development time from larva to adult is not precisely documented but likely spans one or more seasons based on patterns observed in related .

Behavior

are often found on lower branches of trees and can be collected by beating branches over a sheet. They are reportedly quick to when disturbed, though some individuals remain relatively calm. The has been documented as of the crabronid Cerceris fumipennis, which paralyzes adults to provision underground nests.

Ecological Role

contribute to wood decomposition in dead and dying branches of riparian trees. As a documented of Cerceris fumipennis, serve as a food source for this . The species is also associated with pre-existing galleries, suggesting complex interactions with other wood-boring beetles in shared .

Human Relevance

Of interest to and studying diversity and distribution. The has been used in biosurveillance efforts through collection from Cerceris fumipennis nests. No significant economic impact as a pest has been documented; association with stressed or dying branches rather than healthy trees limits horticultural concern.

Similar Taxa

Poecilonota ferreaAnother eastern North distinguished by pronotal sides versus the non-angulate sides of P. cyanipes
Poecilonota thureuraMuch rarer with different coloration and associations; P. cyanipes is more commonly encountered
Agrilus granulatusAnother poplar/willow associated that may occur sympatrically; distinguished by different body form and elytral