Northeastern Sculptured Pine Borer
Chalcophora liberta
This record describes Chalcophora liberta (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
from brilliant metallic coppery orange to dull black; extremely variable in size, dorsal sculpturing, and density of ventral setae; readily distinguished by truncate or rounded elytral apices, small size, and usually bright metallic, orange-green color
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Buprestoidea
- Family
- Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-boring Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chrysochroinae
- Tribe
- Chrysochroini
- Genus
- Chalcophora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
QC‒MB to WV‒AL‒TX
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults feed on young buds of pines; larval hosts: Pinus resinosa, P. strobus
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chalcophora liberta (Germar 1824)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chalcophora liberta. 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 Northeastern Sculptured Pine Borer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by cotinis , Joshua P. Basham , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Northeastern Sculptured Pine Borer
What is Northeastern Sculptured Pine Borer?
Northeastern Sculptured Pine Borer (Chalcophora liberta) is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Northeastern Sculptured Pine Borer?
15‒25 mm (the smallest North American Chalcophora )
How do you identify Northeastern Sculptured Pine Borer?
from brilliant metallic coppery orange to dull black; extremely variable in size, dorsal sculpturing, and density of ventral setae; readily distinguished by truncate or rounded elytral apices, small size, and usually bright metallic, orange-green color
Where is Northeastern Sculptured Pine Borer found?
Range: QC‒MB to WV‒AL‒TX
What does Northeastern Sculptured Pine Borer eat?
The diet of the Northeastern Sculptured Pine Borer includes Adults feed on young buds of pines; larval hosts: Pinus resinosa, P. strobus.