Syneta extorris

The two subspecies exhibit a color dimorphism in males that may aid identification: S. e. borealis males are pale, while S. e. extorris males are dark. The nominate subspecies is restricted to higher elevations in the southern Appalachians, whereas the boreal subspecies occupies a broader latitudinal range at lower elevations.

Associated with coniferous forests containing host fir and spruce species. The nominate subspecies occupies high-elevation spruce-fir forests of the southern Appalachians. The boreal subspecies occurs in boreal and transitional forests from Newfoundland west to Ontario and south to New York.

Eastern North America. The nominate subspecies (S. e. extorris) is restricted to higher elevations in the southern Appalachian Mountains. The subspecies S. e. borealis occurs from Newfoundland to Ontario and New York.

Larvae and adults feed on fir (Abies) and spruce (Picea). S. e. borealis has been documented on balsam fir (Abies balsamea), white spruce (Picea glauca), and red spruce (Picea rubens). S. e. extorris feeds on Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) and red spruce (Picea rubens).

• Abies balsamea - food plantHost of S. e. borealis
• Picea glauca - food plantHost of S. e. borealis
• Picea rubens - food plantHost of both subspecies
• Abies fraseri - food plantHost of S. e. extorris

Herbivore specializing on coniferous hosts; may contribute to nutrient cycling in spruce-fir forest ecosystems through foliar consumption.

• Syneta hamataCongeneric species; S. extorris distinguished by male color dimorphism between subspecies and more restricted geographic range

• leaf beetle
• conifer specialist
• subspecies dimorphism
• eastern North America
• spruce-fir forest

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon