Flatheaded Appletree Borer
Chrysobothris femorata
This record describes Chrysobothris femorata (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
antennae yellowish-green and become reddish toward the apex; clypeus more rounded than in C. adelpha (J.P. Basham, 24.vi.2006) elytral apices distinctly cupreous, posteriolateral margins of the elytra more abruptly narrowed than in related spp. (T.C. MacRae, 31.viii.2007) considered economically important
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Buprestoidea
- Family
- Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-boring Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Buprestinae
- Tribe
- Chrysobothrini
- Genus
- Chrysobothris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Canada (NS-BC) to Mexico; more common east of the Continental Divide
Diet and Behavior
Diet: has the widest host range among members of this species group; larvae feed on many fruit trees and other hardwoods, but typically not on oaks
Life History
Eggs are laid under bark scales or in crevices on the main trunk or larger branches. The larvae bore into the bark and feed in the phloem and outer sapwood. Their tunnels can be several inches long. Mature larvae construct cells in the outer wood during late summer. ( 3 ) Overwinter as larvae and pupate the following spring. One generation per year. ( 3 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chrysobothris femorata. 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 Flatheaded Appletree Borer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Flatheaded Appletree Borer
What is Flatheaded Appletree Borer?
Flatheaded Appletree Borer (Chrysobothris femorata) is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Flatheaded Appletree Borer?
♂ 7.0–12.2 mm, ♀ 9.6–14.2 mm
How do you identify Flatheaded Appletree Borer?
antennae yellowish-green and become reddish toward the apex; clypeus more rounded than in C. adelpha (J.P. Basham, 24.vi.2006) elytral apices distinctly cupreous, posteriolateral margins of the elytra more abruptly narrowed than in related spp. (T.C. MacRae, 31.viii.2007)
Where is Flatheaded Appletree Borer found?
Range: Canada (NS-BC) to Mexico; more common east of the Continental Divide
What does Flatheaded Appletree Borer eat?
The diet of the Flatheaded Appletree Borer includes has the widest host range among members of this species group; larvae feed on many fruit trees and other hardwoods, but typically not on oaks.
What is the life cycle of a Flatheaded Appletree Borer?
Eggs are laid under bark scales or in crevices on the main trunk or larger branches. The larvae bore into the bark and feed in the phloem and outer sapwood. Their tunnels can be several inches long. Mature larvae construct cells in the outer wood during late summer. ( 3 ) Overwinter as larvae and pupate the following spring. One generation per year. ( 3 )