PEST

NAME
Jewel Beetles
Various Jewel Beetle Species

ORDER
Coleoptera

FAMILY
Buprestidae


Description of the Pest
There are many species of Jewel beetles and generally have flat and elongated bodies with metallic, iridescent-patterned shells in orange red or yellow.The plump larvae are cream-coloured legless grubs, shaped like a cobra head with a large body segment behind the head.

     

Appearance and Distribution of the Pest
They are common throughout Australia particularly in the drier regions.

Life Cycle
This insect has a Holometabolouslife cycle, ie. When metamorphosisis observed during the pupalstage.
Eggs are laid in cracks in the bark of the host, upon which the mature larvae pupates.



Period of Activity
Most active from spring through summer.

Damage Caused
The larvae feed beneath the bark, producing oval (in cross-sectioned) tunnels with much sawdust ("frass") around the entrance. The larvae burrow into the cambium layer. Stressed or damaged plants are more susceptible to infestation and may display branch die-back; occasionally the larvae may ring-bark the trunk.

Susceptible Plants
Many plants are attacked especially in the Myrtaceae family such as the Eucalyptus, Leptospermumand Melaleucaspecies. Allocasuarinaare also attacked.

Banksia species may be attacked by the Banksia Borer(Cyria imperialis).

Cupressusspecies are attacked by the Cypress Jewel Beetle(Diadoxus erythrurus).

Cultural Control
Remove damaged branches or repair using arboriculture techniques. Improve the culture of the plant.

BiologicalControl
No effective biological controls.

Chemical Control
No practical chemical control of the larvae is available. Tree injection is unsuccessful because the larvae tunnel into the woody part of the plant.
Note
Always read the label for registration details and direction of use prior to application of any chemicals.