Agrilus bentseni
This record describes Agrilus bentseni (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Form small, rather robust; shining dark bronze throughout; a patch of white pubescence in lateral depression of pronotum, one in basal depression of elytron, an elongate patch at middle and a like patch on apical third of each elytron, rest of dorsal surface with fine pubescence. Det. M. A. Quinn, 2019 Type Locality: Bentsen Rio Grande State Park, Hidalgo Co., Texas, March 26, 1953 by D. J. and J. N. Knull.
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
sw. to s. TX - Map Not known from Mexico
Diet and Behavior
Life History
adults on Bernardia myricifolia (Euphorbiaceae) ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agrilus bentseni Knull 1954
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agrilus bentseni. 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 Agrilus bentseni (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Agrilus bentseni
What is Agrilus bentseni?
Agrilus bentseni is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Agrilus bentseni?
Length 3.7 mm
How do you identify Agrilus bentseni?
Form small, rather robust; shining dark bronze throughout; a patch of white pubescence in lateral depression of pronotum, one in basal depression of elytron, an elongate patch at middle and a like patch on apical third of each elytron, rest of dorsal surface with fine pubescence. Det. M. A. Quinn, 2019
Where is Agrilus bentseni found?
Range: sw. to s. TX - Map Not known from Mexico
What is the life cycle of a Agrilus bentseni?
adults on Bernardia myricifolia (Euphorbiaceae) ( 5 )