Agrilus malvastri
This record describes Agrilus malvastri (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
last key couplet: Pronotum wider than long; pubescent vittae on elytra feebly indicated Described from a large series of 69 specimens which show considerable variations, the color varying from bronzy green to cupreous brown, and the pubescence from white to yellowish white. The depressions on front of head and middle of pronotum vary considerably in distinctness. Type locality: Meade County, Kans.
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
w. NA (s.CA-w.TX-SD-AB, Mexico) - Map , mostly Rocky Mtn states
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Jul ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
adults, including mating pairs, frequently collected and observed on scarlet globemallow ( Sphaeralcea coccinea , Malvaceae) in AB, TX, NM, and AZ , also occasionally on Eastern Mojave buckwheat ( Eriogonum fasciculatum , Polygonaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agrilus malvastri Fisher 1928
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agrilus malvastri. 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 malvastri (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua P. Basham; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Agrilus malvastri
What is Agrilus malvastri?
Agrilus malvastri is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Agrilus malvastri?
Length, 6.75 mm
How do you identify Agrilus malvastri?
last key couplet: Pronotum wider than long; pubescent vittae on elytra feebly indicated Described from a large series of 69 specimens which show considerable variations, the color varying from bronzy green to cupreous brown, and the pubescence from white to yellowish white. The depressions on front of head and middle of pronotum vary considerably in distinctness.
Where is Agrilus malvastri found?
Range: w. NA (s.CA-w.TX-SD-AB, Mexico) - Map , mostly Rocky Mtn states
When is Agrilus malvastri active?
Agrilus malvastri: seasonal activity - Apr-Jul ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Agrilus malvastri?
adults, including mating pairs, frequently collected and observed on scarlet globemallow ( Sphaeralcea coccinea , Malvaceae) in AB, TX, NM, and AZ , also occasionally on Eastern Mojave buckwheat ( Eriogonum fasciculatum , Polygonaceae)