Buprestis apricans
This record describes Buprestis apricans (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Buprestoidea
- Family
- Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-boring Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Buprestinae
- Tribe
- Buprestini
- Genus
- Buprestis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Mostly coastal states: TX-FL-NY, but also PA, AR
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae in longleaf pine - Pius palustris and loblolly pine - Pinus taeda Range of longleaf pine per USDA Plants Database
Life History
Adults emerge in Feb or Mar. Eggs are deposited in exposed wood and on fire-scarred surfaces. The larvae tunnel the sapwood and heartwood, constructing long, narrowly oval, tortuous mines and filling them with solidly packed, fine, granular pitchy frass. Pupation occurs in cell near the surface. ( 3 ) Overwinter as adults. ( 3 ) 3 years are spent as larvae. ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: apric - Latin for 'exposed to the sun'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Buprestis apricans. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Buprestis apricans (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Marci Hess , Thrasher
Frequently Asked Questions About Buprestis apricans
Where is Buprestis apricans found?
Range: Mostly coastal states: TX-FL-NY, but also PA, AR
What does Buprestis apricans eat?
The diet of the Buprestis apricans includes Larvae in longleaf pine - Pius palustris and loblolly pine - Pinus taeda Range of longleaf pine per USDA Plants Database.
What is the life cycle of a Buprestis apricans?
Adults emerge in Feb or Mar. Eggs are deposited in exposed wood and on fire-scarred surfaces. The larvae tunnel the sapwood and heartwood, constructing long, narrowly oval, tortuous mines and filling them with solidly packed, fine, granular pitchy frass. Pupation occurs in cell near the surface. ( 3 ) Overwinter as adults. ( 3 ) 3 years are spent as larvae. ( 3 )