Goldspotted Oak Borer
Agrilus auroguttatus
This record describes Agrilus auroguttatus (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A. coxalis , almost identical in appearance, is found in Central Mexico and n. Guatemala (at some point A. auroguttatus was treated as a subspecies of A. coxalis ) It is a native of Mexico and Guatemala and was first detected in Arizona in late 1800's. It was not recognized as an invasive pest until 2008.( Pest tracker ).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Buprestoidea
- Family
- Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-boring Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Agrilinae
- Tribe
- Agrilini
- Genus
- Agrilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ, CA (introduced); Baja
Diet and Behavior
Diet: coast live oak ( Quercus agrifolia ), canyon live oak ( Q. chrysolepis ), and California black oak ( Q. kelloggii ).
Life History
Now considered a major cause of oak mortality in so. CA ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agrilus auroguttatus Schaeffer 1905
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agrilus auroguttatus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Goldspotted Oak Borer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua P. Basham; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Goldspotted Oak Borer
What is Goldspotted Oak Borer?
Goldspotted Oak Borer (Agrilus auroguttatus) is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Goldspotted Oak Borer?
9-12 mm (Schaeffer 1905)
Where is Goldspotted Oak Borer found?
Range: AZ, CA (introduced); Baja
What does Goldspotted Oak Borer eat?
The diet of the Goldspotted Oak Borer includes coast live oak ( Quercus agrifolia ), canyon live oak ( Q. chrysolepis ), and California black oak ( Q. kelloggii )..
What is the life cycle of a Goldspotted Oak Borer?
Now considered a major cause of oak mortality in so. CA ( 3 )