ColeopteraBuprestidae – Metallic Wood-boring Beetles

Agrilus egenus

This record describes Agrilus egenus (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Agrilus egenus - Agrilus egenus
Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , jahansen , v belov

Male genitalia distinct with sides very strongly, arcuately expanded

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 to AZ (QC‒ON to GA‒AZ)

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Larval host: Robinia (Fabaceae)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Agrilus egenus Gory 1841

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agrilus egenus. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Agrilus egenus (5)

Agrilus egenus - photo 1
Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , jahansen , v belov
Agrilus egenus - photo 2
Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , jahansen , v belov
Agrilus egenus - photo 3
Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , jahansen , v belov
Agrilus egenus - photo 4
Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , jahansen , v belov
Agrilus egenus - photo 5
Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , jahansen , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , jahansen , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Agrilus egenus

What is Agrilus egenus?

Agrilus egenus is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Agrilus egenus?

3.5‒5.5 mm

How do you identify Agrilus egenus?

Male genitalia distinct with sides very strongly, arcuately expanded

Where is Agrilus egenus found?

Range: e.NA to AZ (QC‒ON to GA‒AZ)

What does Agrilus egenus eat?

The diet of the Agrilus egenus includes Larval host: Robinia (Fabaceae).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , jahansen , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.