Silky Chlaenius vs Western Cedar Borer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Silky Chlaenius Western Cedar Borer
Scientific Name Chlaenius vestitus Trachykele blondeli
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Carabidae Buprestidae
Size 12-16 mm 15-25 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Forests
Diet Predators Wood Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Western North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Silky Chlaenius

A medium-sized ground beetle covered in fine silky pubescence giving it a velvety green appearance. It is commonly found near water and emits a strong defensive odor when handled.

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Did You Know?

When disturbed, it releases a pungent, leathery-smelling chemical from defensive glands that is so strong it can be detected from several feet away.

Western Cedar Borer

A large, dark metallic jewel beetle that develops in western red cedar. Larvae create distinctive oval exit holes in timber.

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Did You Know?

Their development can take over a decade in dry seasoned wood, making them among the slowest-developing beetles.