Bronze Poplar Borer
Agrilus liragus
This record describes Agrilus liragus (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Woodpeckers enjoy eating the larvae, pupae, and adults. ( 3 )
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
northern transcontinental south to PA & n. CA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: poplars
Life History
Eggs are deposited in bark crevices and the larvae feed in the cambial region, excavating long tunnels that zigzag back and forth in a compact manner. The larvae feed for 2 seasons before maturing. ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agrilus liragus Barter & Brown 1949
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agrilus liragus. 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 Bronze Poplar Borer (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Bronze Poplar Borer
What is Bronze Poplar Borer?
Bronze Poplar Borer (Agrilus liragus) is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Bronze Poplar Borer?
♂ 7.2-10.3 mm, ♀ 6.8-11.5 mm
Where is Bronze Poplar Borer found?
Range: northern transcontinental south to PA & n. CA
What does Bronze Poplar Borer eat?
The diet of the Bronze Poplar Borer includes hosts: poplars.
What is the life cycle of a Bronze Poplar Borer?
Eggs are deposited in bark crevices and the larvae feed in the cambial region, excavating long tunnels that zigzag back and forth in a compact manner. The larvae feed for 2 seasons before maturing. ( 3 )