Sculptured Pine Borer vs Velvet Tree Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sculptured Pine Borer Velvet Tree Ant
Scientific Name Chalcophora virginiensis Liometopum occidentale
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Buprestidae Formicidae
Size 23-32 mm 3-6 mm
Habitat Forests Heathland
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Eastern North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sculptured Pine Borer

A large North American jewel beetle with deeply sculptured elytra giving a textured appearance. Dark metallic bronze coloring.

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Did You Know?

The deeply ridged and sculpted elytra are unique among North American jewel beetles.

Velvet Tree Ant

A large ant that nests in oak trees and produces a distinctive trail pheromone odor.

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Did You Know?

Columns of these ants march in conspicuous trails up and down tree trunks.