ColeopteraBuprestidae – Metallic Wood-boring Beetles

Buprestis maculipennis

This record describes Buprestis maculipennis (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Buprestis maculipennis - Buprestis maculipennis
Contributed by Joshua P. Basham; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov

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

Habitat

Pine forests

Geographic Range

e NA (QC-FL to SK-TX) - Map , mainly southeastern, sporadic in boreal forest

Diet and Behavior

Life History

reported larval hosts: Pinus , Taxodium , Tsuga

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Buprestis maculipennis Gory 1841

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Buprestis maculipennis. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Buprestis maculipennis (5)

Buprestis maculipennis - photo 1
Contributed by Joshua P. Basham; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Buprestis maculipennis - photo 2
Contributed by Joshua P. Basham; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Buprestis maculipennis - photo 3
Contributed by Joshua P. Basham; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Buprestis maculipennis - photo 4
Contributed by Joshua P. Basham; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Buprestis maculipennis - photo 5
Contributed by Joshua P. Basham; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua P. Basham; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Buprestis maculipennis

How big is Buprestis maculipennis?

10-15 mm

Where is Buprestis maculipennis found?
FeatureDetails
HabitatPine forests
Rangee NA (QC-FL to SK-TX) - Map , mainly southeastern, sporadic in boreal forest
What is the life cycle of a Buprestis maculipennis?

reported larval hosts: Pinus , Taxodium , Tsuga

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua P. Basham; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.