Jewel-beetle
Guides
Anthaxia viridifrons
Anthaxia viridifrons is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Gory in 1841. It belongs to the subgenus Haplanthaxia within the genus Anthaxia. The species is found in North America, with records from the United States including Vermont. As with other members of the genus, adults are typically associated with woody vegetation, though specific host relationships for this species remain incompletely documented.
Aphanisticus cochinchinae seminulum
Aphanisticus cochinchinae seminulum is a subspecies of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae. The genus Aphanisticus comprises small, cylindrical buprestids often associated with monocot plants. This subspecies was described by Obenberger in 1929 and has been recorded from southern Asia and Hawaii. Members of this genus are typically collected by sweeping vegetation or beating host plants rather than at light traps.
Aphanisticus congener
Aphanisticus congener is a species of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Saunders in 1875. It belongs to a genus of minute buprestids characterized by their small size and reduced elytral sculpturing. The species epithet 'congener' suggests its close relationship to other members of the genus. Like other Aphanisticus species, it is likely associated with monocotyledonous plants, particularly grasses and sedges, though specific host records for this species are limited.
Barilepton
Barilepton undescribed represents a species of jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) that has not yet received formal scientific description. The genus Barilepton belongs to the diverse metallic wood-boring beetle family, whose members are characterized by their often brilliant metallic coloration and wood-associated life histories. As an undescribed species, it awaits taxonomic formalization pending further study.
Barrellus
Barrellus is a monotypic genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) containing the single species Barrellus femoratus. The genus was established in 1996 by Nelson & Bellamy. Very little published information exists on this genus beyond its taxonomic description and placement within the Buprestidae.
Barrellus femoratus
Barrellus femoratus is a species of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae, subfamily Chrysochroinae, and tribe Dicercini. Originally described by Knull in 1941, it is one of two species in the genus Barrellus, which was established by Nelson & Bellamy in 1996. The species is known from the Nearctic region of North America. Very little specific information about its biology or ecology has been published.
Beerellus
Beerellus is a monotypic genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) containing a single described species, Beerellus taxodii. The genus was established by Nelson in 1982 and is classified within the subfamily Polycestinae. Very little is known about this genus beyond its taxonomic placement and the description of its sole species.
Belionota prasina
Belionota prasina is a jewel beetle species in the family Buprestidae, first described by Thunberg in 1789. The species belongs to the genus Belionota, which comprises metallic wood-boring beetles distributed across various regions. Records indicate presence in the conterminous 48 United States. The species exhibits the characteristic metallic coloration typical of buprestid beetles.
Boloria andersoni
Agrilus andersoni is a jewel beetle species in the family Buprestidae, described by Henry Hespenheide in 2008 from specimens collected in Guerrero and Puebla, Mexico. It is one of two new species associated with mistletoe plants in the genus Phoradendron, representing an unusual host relationship within the enormous genus Agrilus. The species is closely related to A. turnbowi from Texas and A. howdenorum from Oaxaca, sharing distinctive purplish-red coloration and complex golden setal patterns on the elytra.
Brachys
Leaf-mining jewel beetles
Brachys is a genus of small metallic wood-boring beetles in the family Buprestidae, tribe Trachyini. The genus contains at least 140 described species distributed primarily in North America, with some species in Central and South America. Adults are characterized by their flattened, compact, wedge-shaped morphology—distinctly different from the more typical elongate, cylindrical form of most jewel beetles. This body plan reflects their unique larval habit of mining within leaves of host plants rather than boring through wood. The genus is strongly associated with oaks (Quercus) and other hardwoods, though some species utilize diverse host plant families.
BuprestidaeAgrilinaeTrachyinileaf-mineroak-associatejewel-beetlemetallic-wood-boring-beetlehardwood-forestphenologyNorth-AmericaSouth-AmericaCerradoQuercusBrachys-ovatusBrachys-aerosusBrachys-aeruginosusBrachys-querciBrachys-cephalicusBrachys-floccosusBrachys-barberiBrachys-rileyiBrachys-apacheiBrachys-cleidecostaeBrachys-tessellatusBrachys aerosus
Northern Red Oak Jewel Beetle
Brachys aerosus is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, tribe Trachyini. Adults measure 3–5 mm in length and exhibit highly variable coloration, with the basal region of the elytra typically showing purple, blue, or green luster and the apical area covered in gold to bronze pubescence. The species is commonly associated with hardwood trees, particularly oaks and elms, though its broad host range and morphological variability suggest it may represent a cryptic species complex. Larvae are leaf miners rather than wood borers, a distinctive trait of the tribe Trachyini.
Brachys aeruginosus
Brachys aeruginosus is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Gory in 1841. It belongs to the tribe Trachyini, a group characterized by flattened, compact, wedge-shaped adults whose larvae mine within leaves rather than boring through wood. The species is uncommonly encountered compared to congeners and is most often associated with oaks. It is found in North America, with records from Canada (Manitoba, Ontario, Québec) and the United States.
Brachys barberi
Brachys barberi is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species is associated with oak hosts, particularly Quercus havardii (shin oak), and has been collected from sand dune habitats in the southwestern United States. Adults are active during spring and early summer, with observations and collections spanning from May to June. The species is part of the genus Brachys, a group of oak-associated buprestids that are typically collected by sweeping or beating foliage of host trees.
Brachys floricola
Brachys floricola is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, native to North America and primarily found in the continental United States. It belongs to the genus Brachys, a group characterized by flattened, compact, wedge-shaped bodies and leaf-mining larval habits. Members of this genus typically mine the leaves of hardwood trees, particularly oaks (Quercus). The species is part of the tribe Trachyini, which exhibits highly derived morphology compared to other jewel beetles.
Brachys ovatus
Oval Jewel Beetle
Brachys ovatus is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is the largest of the three Brachys species occurring in Missouri, typically exceeding 5 mm in length. The species is a leaf-miner, with larvae developing within oak leaves rather than boring through wood. It is widely distributed across Central and North America.
Brachys rileyi
Brachys rileyi is a recently described species of jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) in the genus Brachys. The species was described based on specimens collected from Quercus gambelii (Gambel's oak) in high-elevation mountain locations in southeastern New Mexico and west Texas. Field observations indicate it occurs in alpine meadow and oak-juniper woodland habitats above 8000 feet elevation. The species is known from very few observations, with iNaturalist records documenting only two observations as of the source date.
Buprestis adjecta
Buprestis adjecta is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is native to North America and has been recorded from western Canada, specifically Alberta and British Columbia. As a member of the genus Buprestis, it shares the characteristic brilliant metallic coloration typical of jewel beetles. The species was originally described as Ancylochira adjecta by LeConte in 1854.
Buprestis apricans
turpentine borer
Buprestis apricans, commonly known as the turpentine borer, is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species was described by Herbst in 1801. It occurs in the Caribbean and North America, where it develops in coniferous trees. Like other members of the genus Buprestis, adults display metallic coloration typical of jewel beetles.
Buprestis aurulenta
golden jewel beetle, golden buprestid, Golden Buprestid Beetle
Buprestis aurulenta, commonly known as the golden jewel beetle or golden buprestid, is a striking metallic wood-boring beetle native to western North America. Adults display brilliant iridescent green coloration with orange margins on the elytra. The species is notable for its exceptionally prolonged larval development, with documented cases of larvae surviving 47 years or more in dry wood before emerging as adults. This longevity makes it one of the most long-lived beetle species known.
Buprestis confluenta
Yellow-spotted Jewel Beetle
Buprestis confluenta is a striking metallic wood-boring beetle distinguished by its emerald green to coppery-brown coloration with dense, more or less confluent yellow flecks across the elytra. The species is primarily associated with dead cottonwood (Populus deltoides) and quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) in central and western North America. Despite the abundance of suitable host trees in some regions, it remains uncommonly encountered and is considered elusive by collectors. Adults are typically found on large, dead, barkless cottonwood trunks.
Buprestis connexa
Buprestis connexa is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, native to North America. The species was described by Horn in 1875. Like other members of the genus Buprestis, it exhibits the characteristic metallic coloration typical of jewel beetles. The species occurs within the Nearctic realm and has been documented through limited observation records.
Buprestis decora
Buprestis decora is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species was described by Fabricius in 1775 and is recognized as a valid taxon. It is distributed across the Caribbean Sea region and North America, with records spanning Nearctic, Neotropical, and Palearctic biogeographic realms. As a member of the genus Buprestis, it belongs to one of the most visually striking genera of jewel beetles, though specific details about its biology and appearance remain poorly documented in available sources.
Buprestis haemorrhoidalis
Buprestis haemorrhoidalis is a Palearctic jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) described by Herbst in 1780. The species was erroneously reported as established in British Columbia, Canada, based on a misidentified specimen of the native North American species Buprestis subornata. This misidentification propagated through multiple literature sources before correction. The species remains native to Europe and Asia with no confirmed establishment in North America.
Buprestis laeviventris
metallic wood-boring beetle, jewel beetle
Buprestis laeviventris is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is native to North America and has been recorded from western Canada through the western United States. Adults are attracted to recently dead or dying coniferous trees, particularly pines. The species exhibits elytral color variation and has been the subject of recent youth science research projects examining morphological diversity across different pine host species.
Buprestis langii
Buprestis langii is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It has a widespread distribution across the northwestern Nearctic region of North America. The species was described by Mannerheim in 1843 and represents one of many jewel beetles in the genus Buprestis known for their metallic coloration. A 2010 record from Watson Lake, Yukon Territory extended its known Canadian distribution.
Buprestis lineata
Lined Buprestid Beetle, lined buprestris
Buprestis lineata is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. Adults have been observed on the lower trunks of shortleaf pines (Pinus echinata) in Arkansas, where they congregate to mate. The species is one of several wood-boring beetles associated with pine trees in the southeastern United States.
Buprestis lyrata
pink-faced jewel beetle
Buprestis lyrata is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Thomas L. Casey in 1909. It is found in the Nearctic region, primarily in western North America including Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. Adults are known to frequent freshly dead conifers, particularly Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), where they can be found on trunks and branches. The species is part of the diverse genus Buprestis, which contains many colorful and sought-after jewel beetles among collectors.
Buprestis maculativentris
ventrally spotted buprestid, spotted-belly buprestid beetle
Buprestis maculativentris is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is native to North America, with documented occurrences in Canada (Alberta, British Columbia) and the United States. The species is characterized by ventral spotting on the abdomen, as indicated by its specific epithet. Like other members of the genus Buprestis, it exhibits the brilliant metallic coloration typical of jewel beetles.
Buprestis maculipennis
Buprestis maculipennis is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Gory in 1841. The species is native to North America, with records from Canada (Manitoba, Nova Scotia) and the United States. It is one of several species in the genus Buprestis known for brilliant metallic coloration. The species includes three recognized subspecies: B. m. deficiens, B. m. fusiformis, and B. m. maculipennis.
Buprestis parmaculativentris
Buprestis parmaculativentris is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Knull in 1958. It is native to North America and belongs to the Nearctic realm. As a member of the genus Buprestis, it shares the characteristic brilliant metallic coloration typical of jewel beetles. Very limited information is available regarding its biology, habitat preferences, and distribution specifics.
Buprestis rufipes
red-legged buprestis, red-legged buprestis beetle, redbellied buprestis
Buprestis rufipes is a striking metallic wood-boring beetle native to the eastern and southern United States. Adults measure 18–25 mm and display brilliant metallic green coloration with distinctive golden-yellow bands across the elytra, with reddish legs and underparts that give the species its name. The beetle has been reared from dead or dying hardwood trunks, particularly maple, beech, oak, elm, and blackgum. Despite its visual prominence, the species remains poorly studied, with no recorded larval host plants and limited ecological data.
Buprestis striata
Striated Jewel Beetle
Buprestis striata is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, commonly known as the Striated Jewel Beetle. It is found in the Caribbean and North America. The species belongs to the subgenus Cypriacis, recognizable by its strongly ribbed elytra with alternate intervals depressed and heavily punctate. It has been documented from Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana) in Tennessee, where it occurs on bluff tops alongside other rare buprestid species.
Buprestis subornata
Buprestis subornata is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, native to North America. The species was described by LeConte in 1860 and belongs to the subgenus Buprestis s. str. It has been recorded from western North America including British Columbia, with specimens documented from locations such as Kelowna. The species has been involved in taxonomic confusion, with specimens historically misidentified as the Palearctic species Buprestis haemorrhoidalis. Two subspecies are recognized: B. subornata subornata and B. subornata punctiventris Casey.
Cerceris fumipennis
Smoky-winged Beetle Bandit Wasp
Cerceris fumipennis is a solitary, ground-nesting wasp and the only buprestid-hunting member of family Crabronidae in eastern North America. Females construct subterranean nests in hard-packed sandy soil and provision them exclusively with paralyzed jewel beetles (Buprestidae). The wasp has become a valuable biosurveillance tool for detecting the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), as it efficiently locates and captures these beetles from distances up to 2 km from its nest. Citizen science programs known as "WaspWatchers" monitor wasp colonies to survey for pest beetles.
Chalcophora angulicollis
western sculptured pine borer, sculptured pine borer
Chalcophora angulicollis is a large metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, commonly known as the western sculptured pine borer. It is one of the largest jewel beetles in western North America, measuring 20–33 mm in length. The species is strictly associated with pine trees (Pinus spp.), where larvae develop in dead or dying wood. Adults are active during daylight hours and are frequently observed running on or flying to recently fallen or injured pine trunks and branches. The species was historically confused with the eastern Chalcophora virginiensis but was reinstated as valid based on distinct morphological differences in mouthparts, male genitalia, and elytral margins.
Chalcophora fortis
Strong Jewel Beetle
Chalcophora fortis is a large jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae, commonly known as the Strong Jewel Beetle. It is one of five North American species in the genus Chalcophora, a group of sculptured pine borers characterized by their metallic coloration and heavily sculptured bodies. The species occurs in eastern North America, where it is associated with pine forests. Like other members of the genus, its dramatic sculpturing and metallic sheen serve a cryptic function, helping it blend with the bark of dead or dying pine trees.
Chalcophora georgiana
Southern Sculptured Pine Borer
Chalcophora georgiana, the southern sculptured pine borer, is a large metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is one of five North American species in the genus Chalcophora, all commonly known as "sculptured pine borers" due to their heavily sculptured exoskeletons and strict association with pine trees. This species occurs in the southeastern United States, with Florida representing a core part of its range.
Chalcophora liberta
northeastern sculptured pine borer, smaller flat-headed pine borer
Chalcophora liberta is one of five North American species in the genus Chalcophora, commonly known as sculptured pine borers. It is among the largest jewel beetles in eastern North America, characterized by its metallic coloration and heavily sculptured exosurface. The species is strictly associated with pine trees (Pinus spp.) and is one of four eastern species in the genus, distinguished from congeners by specific morphological features including coloration and male genitalia structure.
Chalcophora virginiensis
Sculptured Pine Borer
Chalcophora virginiensis, commonly known as the sculptured pine borer, is one of the largest jewel beetles in eastern North America, measuring well over an inch in length. Adults are characterized by their hyper-sculptured, shiny metallic coppery bodies that provide effective camouflage against the bark of dead or dying pine trees. The species is endemic to forested areas of the eastern United States and Canada, where it is strictly associated with pine hosts. Larvae develop within the wood of their host trees, while adults are active during daylight hours and rely on crypsis rather than chemical or physical defenses against predators.
Chrysina gloriosa
glorious beetle, glorious scarab, Glorious Jewel Scarab
Chrysina gloriosa is a metallic green scarab beetle renowned for its striking iridescent appearance. Adults measure 20–30 mm in length and display bright green elytra with silver longitudinal stripes, though rare red and purple color forms occur. The species inhabits sky island mountain ranges in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where adults feed primarily on juniper foliage and larvae develop in decaying wood of Arizona sycamore. Active both diurnally and nocturnally, adults are most frequently encountered from June through August and are strongly attracted to ultraviolet light sources. The beetle's structural coloration arises from cholesteric liquid crystal organization of chitin molecules in the cuticle, producing optical properties that change with light incidence angle.
Chrysobothris acutipennis
Chrysobothris acutipennis is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It has been documented across Central America, North America, and South America, with confirmed records from Mexico to South America. The species has been taxonomically confused with similar Chrysobothris species, particularly C. fallax from northwestern Peru, from which it can be distinguished by the form of the tooth on the profemora and male genitalia. A 2022 revision clarified its distribution and distinguished it from C. merkelii.
Chrysobothris adelpha
Chrysobothris adelpha is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It belongs to the Chrysobothris femorata species-group, a complex of closely related species that were historically confused under the catch-all name C. femorata. The species is distributed across eastern North America and is primarily associated with hickory (Carya spp.), though it has also been reared from serviceberry (Amelanchier) and mesquite (Prosopis).
Chrysobothris axillaris
Chrysobothris axillaris is a North American jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species was described by Horn in 1886. Based on field observations in the Davis Mountains of Texas, adults have been collected from Quercus grisea (gray oak) with fresh foliage, suggesting an association with oak hosts. The species appears to be active in late spring to early summer.
Chrysobothris basalis
A metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, distributed across Central and North America. Like other members of the genus Chrysobothris, it likely develops in dead or dying wood, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Chrysobothris beameri
Chrysobothris beameri is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It was described by Knull in 1954 and is known from North America. Like other members of the genus Chrysobothris, it is a jewel beetle with a metallic appearance.
Chrysobothris beyeri
Chrysobothris beyeri is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The species was described by Schaeffer in 1904. Like other members of the genus Chrysobothris, it is presumed to be associated with woody plants, though specific host relationships for this species remain poorly documented.
Chrysobothris bicolor
Chrysobothris bicolor is a jewel beetle species in the family Buprestidae, described by George Henry Horn in 1894. It belongs to the large and taxonomically challenging genus Chrysobothris, which contains numerous species groups characterized by subtle morphological differences. The species epithet "bicolor" likely refers to distinctive coloration patterns, though specific color details are not documented in the provided sources. As with other members of its genus, it presumably develops as larvae in dead or dying wood of host plants.
Chrysobothris bimarginicollis
Chrysobothris bimarginicollis is a species of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Schaeffer in 1905. It belongs to the large genus Chrysobothris, which contains numerous wood-boring species in North America. The species is part of a taxonomically challenging group where identification relies on subtle morphological characters. Like other members of its genus, it likely develops in dead or dying wood, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Chrysobothris breviloba
Chrysobothris breviloba is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Fall in 1910. It is known from western North America, with records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. Like other members of the genus Chrysobothris, it is presumed to develop as a larva in dead or dying wood, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented.
Chrysobothris carinipennis
Keel-winged Jewel Beetle
Chrysobothris carinipennis is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by LeConte in 1878. It is found in western North America, with confirmed records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. Like other members of the genus Chrysobothris, it is associated with woody plants, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners.