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Chalcophora fortis

Posted by Eudora Watson,
North Country explorer from Syracuse, New York
June 7, 2014

This beetle was identified by BugGuide at bugguide.net They have an ID Request section, and an active group of folks who are happy to identify and educate. (I love my guidebooks, but I never would have found this species there.)

According to a link to 'Beetles in the Bush' posted by an identifier:

"This genus contains some of the largest jewel beetles in North America and, due to their surface sculpturing and strict association with pine trees, are commonly referred to as “sculptured pine borers.” Four of the five species occur in the eastern U.S. and Canada, while only one, C. angulicollis, is found in the western states and provinces."

Some of the shine of this beetle comes through in the photograph, but not the metallic look. I can see why they are called 'jewel' beetles. The geometric grey and black design is quite beautiful.