Agrilus pensus
This record describes Agrilus pensus (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
With pygidial spine; uniformly reddish-cupreous dorsally
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 (LB-AB south to NC-MO)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae have been recorded from Betula nigra ; adults have been observed on Alnus incana, A. viridis , and Ostrya virginiana
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agrilus pensus Horn 1891
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agrilus pensus. 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 pensus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tyler Hedlund; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Agrilus pensus
What is Agrilus pensus?
Agrilus pensus is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Agrilus pensus?
7-10 mm
How do you identify Agrilus pensus?
With pygidial spine; uniformly reddish-cupreous dorsally
Where is Agrilus pensus found?
Range: e NA (LB-AB south to NC-MO)
What does Agrilus pensus eat?
The diet of the Agrilus pensus includes Larvae have been recorded from Betula nigra ; adults have been observed on Alnus incana, A. viridis , and Ostrya virginiana.