Agrilus ornatulus
This record describes Agrilus ornatulus (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
NM to TX coast, KS - Map
Seasonal Activity
April, when the foliage of soapberry is tender (Vogt 1949)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae in Sapindus sp. and Forestiera sp. , most common on soapberry (BG data)
Life History
Vogt (1949) says this sp. is suggestive in appearance of the ant Cephalotes angustus (= Cryptocerus angustus Mayr) which commonly occurs on the same shrubbery in south Texas.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agrilus ornatulus Horn 1891
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agrilus ornatulus. 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 ornatulus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Agrilus ornatulus
Where is Agrilus ornatulus found?
Range: NM to TX coast, KS - Map
What does Agrilus ornatulus eat?
The diet of the Agrilus ornatulus includes Larvae in Sapindus sp. and Forestiera sp. , most common on soapberry (BG data).
When is Agrilus ornatulus active?
Agrilus ornatulus: seasonal activity - April, when the foliage of soapberry is tender (Vogt 1949).
What is the life cycle of a Agrilus ornatulus?
Vogt (1949) says this sp. is suggestive in appearance of the ant Cephalotes angustus (= Cryptocerus angustus Mayr) which commonly occurs on the same shrubbery in south Texas.