Flatheaded Borer

Flatheaded borers are in the family Buprestidae and are called metallic wood-boring beetles because they are often shiny and brightly colored. The larvae are referred to as flatheaded wood borers, because the body region behind the head is enlarged and flattened (see figure below). Flatheaded borers are important pests in forests. The greatest damage results from larvae boring into sapwood of recently felled trees. Larvae will feed on a variety of soft- and hardwoods. Flatheaded wood borers can be pests of modern loghouses, and occasionally infest rustic furniture, and fences.

Adult beetles lay eggs singly or in groups in crevices that develop in freshly cut logs as a result of drying. Larvae hatching from the eggs bore directly into the sapwood portion of the wood and begin feeding. However, as infested wood begins to dry, larvae will tunnel deeper. Larvae prefer fresh (moist) wood rather than seasoned wood, they do not feed in the heartwood. Flatheaded wood borers may complete their development from egg to adult in one year. However, their life cycle may extend to five years if larvae have tunnelled deep into the wood.