Agrilus defectus
This record describes Agrilus defectus (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Agrilus defectus is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America.
Wikipedia reference for Agrilus defectus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agrilus_defectus.
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
e NA (QC-GA to ON-ND-TX) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval hosts: oaks ( Quercus alba, Q. muehlenbergii, Q. stellata ) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agrilus defectus LeConte 1860
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agrilus defectus. 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 defectus (2)
Photo credits: (c) Emily Franzen, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Emily Franzen | Contributed by Joshua P. Basham; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Agrilus defectus
What is Agrilus defectus?
Agrilus defectus is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Agrilus defectus?
3-5 mm
Where is Agrilus defectus found?
Range: e NA (QC-GA to ON-ND-TX) - Map
What does Agrilus defectus eat?
The diet of the Agrilus defectus includes Larval hosts: oaks ( Quercus alba, Q. muehlenbergii, Q. stellata ) ( 3 ).