Agrilus heterothecae
This record describes Agrilus heterothecae (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species is commonly confused with Agrilus huachucae . The two can be separated as follows: Agrilus heterothecae has antennomere 3 with the distal end triangular, almost serrate, and ranges in size from 5.6-7 mm. Agrilus huachucae has antennomere 3 with distal end rounded and ranges in size from 7-9 mm. There are other more subtle characters but these are the easiest to see. Type Locality: nr. Portal, Chiricahua Mtns
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 / Mex.
Seasonal Activity
July-Sept (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
adults on false goldenaster - Heterotheca sp. (Asteraceae)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agrilus heterothecae. 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 heterothecae (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Richard L. Westcott; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , jahansen , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Agrilus heterothecae
What is Agrilus heterothecae?
Agrilus heterothecae is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Agrilus heterothecae?
5.6 - 7 mm in length (Knull 1972)
How do you identify Agrilus heterothecae?
This species is commonly confused with Agrilus huachucae . The two can be separated as follows: Agrilus heterothecae has antennomere 3 with the distal end triangular, almost serrate, and ranges in size from 5.6-7 mm. Agrilus huachucae has antennomere 3 with distal end rounded and ranges in size from 7-9 mm. There are other more subtle characters but these are the easiest to see.
Where is Agrilus heterothecae found?
Range: AZ / Mex.
When is Agrilus heterothecae active?
Agrilus heterothecae: seasonal activity - July-Sept (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Agrilus heterothecae?
adults on false goldenaster - Heterotheca sp. (Asteraceae)