Buprestidae
Jewel beetles
Spruce is a host plant of several bark insect species of this family. Their presence is typically identified by long narrow feeding galleries excavated deep in the sapwood. They occur more frequently on slimmer branches. Typical sign is an elliptic opening used by the larva for boring into the wood to pupate. Their habitat range extends from lowlands to mountain areas, with preference of warm southern sites. They attack mainly heavily damaged or dying trees. The species of the genuses like Buprestis spp., Anthaxia spp. and Agrilus spp. are the common members of the family.
Long narrow feeding galleries mined deep in the sapwood. Often D-shape exit holes.
Tree Species: Pine, Spruce
Part of a plant- attacked: Tree trunk, Branch
Pest significance: Harmful
Pest Category: Insects
Invasive Species: No
Present in EU: Yes
Pest group: Insect
Affected part of wood: Sapwood
Depth of damages: Bark, Under bark only, Up to 0,5 cm depth
The extent of damage: Whole trunk
Prevalence in Europe: Common
Damaged products: Firewood, Fresh timber logs (water still in the sapwood)
Roundwood size: Branches and twigs, Diameter 50+, Diameter from 10 up to 50 cm, Diameter up to 10 cm
Wood discoloration: Yes
Exit holes: D-shape, Oval
Pest subcategory: Bark and underbark insect, Wood-boring insect
Similar pests
Agrilus ater
Agrilus sulcicollis
