Witch-hazel Borer
Dicerca pugionata
This record describes Dicerca pugionata (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
pronotum widest posteriorly; elytra very dark or black with pale whitish spots arranged in several longitudinal rows; tip of elytra bidentate (i.e. with two teeth) - not rounded or truncate [a useful characteristic]
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Buprestoidea
- Family
- Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-boring Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chrysochroinae
- Tribe
- Dicercini
- Genus
- Dicerca
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
ne. US (MA-MI to GA) + ON
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: witch-hazel (favored), ninebark
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dicerca pugionata (Germar 1824)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dicerca pugionata. 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 Witch-hazel Borer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Phillip Harpootlian , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Witch-hazel Borer
What is Witch-hazel Borer?
Witch-hazel Borer (Dicerca pugionata) is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Witch-hazel Borer?
11-15 mm
How do you identify Witch-hazel Borer?
pronotum widest posteriorly; elytra very dark or black with pale whitish spots arranged in several longitudinal rows; tip of elytra bidentate (i.e. with two teeth) - not rounded or truncate [a useful characteristic]
Where is Witch-hazel Borer found?
Range: ne. US (MA-MI to GA) + ON
What does Witch-hazel Borer eat?
The diet of the Witch-hazel Borer includes hosts: witch-hazel (favored), ninebark.