Adult beetles are elongate or oval with short antennae in most genera, with the leaf-mining genera being nearly circular in appearance. Nearly all adults have some metallic coloration on their bodies, often with the brightest coloration under the wings or on the underside. Chalcophora virginiensis (Drury), is a large black species with a sculptured appearance on the back. Buprestis lineata (Fabricius), has broad red lines on the elytra and a metallic pronotum. These two species often emerge from pine in log homes. Chrysobothris are intermediate in size with a sculptured back and there are a number of species that attack pines and broad-leaved trees. Acmaeodera are most commonly seen on flowers as adults and the irregular bright yellow to orange mixed with blue-black colors let them blend with the flowers. These adults have the wing covers (elytra) united along the back but they can still pull out the wings below and fly well. Agrilus is considered the world’s largest genus with over 8,000 species. Agrilus are elongate and attack twigs or less commonly larger portions of trees. Larvae are elongate grubs with the segments just behind the head (thorax) enlarged (widened) and flattened. They are usually white to cream colored with a darker plate on the thorax. The head is actually mostly hidden and fleshy.
Adult beetles are usually short-lived, surviving for a few weeks. Adults emerge in the spring and summer depending on the species. Eggs are laid in crevices in the bark for wood boring species. Larvae develop inside the plant primarily just under the bark for wood borers or inside stems or roots. Leaf-mining species may have several generations per year. However, most species have one generation per year or take multiple years to develop. There are a few records of development over 8 years. Pupation occurs inside the plant.
Larvae of most species feed in trunks, branches or twigs of woody plants, usually when the plant is dying. Some species remain in wood after it is used as building materials and adults emerge up to several years later.
Sanitation is the most important aspect of prevention. Remove and destroy dead tree limbs around buildings or near any area where wood products are stored. Destroy scrap lumber and other wood products before they become infested. Kiln drying of lumber destroys beetle infestations, although it does not prevent reinfestation. Materials used for construction of buildings and wood furniture should be thoroughly inspected before use to be certain that they do not contain wood-boring beetles. Protect wood from infestation by painting or varnishing to seal pores, cracks, and holes where eggs could be laid.