Agrilus politus
This record describes Agrilus politus (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
transcontinental (AK‒NS to CA‒TX‒GA to Mexico)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larval hosts: Salix spp., Acer spp.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agrilus politus (Say 1825)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agrilus politus. 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 politus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Agrilus politus
How big is Agrilus politus?
4.7‒8.5 mm
Where is Agrilus politus found?
Range: transcontinental (AK‒NS to CA‒TX‒GA to Mexico)
What does Agrilus politus eat?
The diet of the Agrilus politus includes larval hosts: Salix spp., Acer spp..