Soapberry Borer
Agrilus prionurus
This record describes Agrilus prionurus (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
markings distinctive; shiny black, with 4 small white spots on elytra Infested trees observed in Travis and McLennan counties as early as 1998. (Billings and Pase, 2009) In the spring of 2009, Texas Forest Service, and several other state agencies, widely distributed a questionnaire asking for evidence of Agrilus prionurus , the evidence included asking survey respondents to provide [p]hotos of both the foliage of the infested trees and damage observed ... to confirm the host tree and causal agent. As a result of responses to this survey, 15 new counties were added to the distribution map in Texas. (Billings and Pase, 2009) However, at least three other spp. of Agrilus in Texas are known to host on soapberry, so evedence of Agrilus prionurus based solely on host damage is somewhat questionable. Also, it's possible that Agrilus prionurus is actually native to Texas (E. G. Riley, pers. comm. to MAQ)
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
native to Mexico, more recently reported from TX (Dallas-Larado-Houston) - Map (Billings & Pase, 2008)
Seasonal Activity
late May until early August (Billings & Pase, 2009)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Western Soapberry ( Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii , Sapindaceae) , and fringetree ( Chionanthus , Oleaceae)
Life History
Some 75 Agrilus prionurus adults were collected from [caged infested soapberry log sections] during the period from late May until early August, all from trees cut in Fort Bend and Brazos counties. (Billings & Pase, 2009)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agrilus prionurus Chevrolat 1838
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agrilus prionurus. 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 Soapberry Borer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Soapberry Borer
What is Soapberry Borer?
Soapberry Borer (Agrilus prionurus) is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Soapberry Borer?
11-12 mm (BG data)
How do you identify Soapberry Borer?
markings distinctive; shiny black, with 4 small white spots on elytra
Where is Soapberry Borer found?
Range: native to Mexico, more recently reported from TX (Dallas-Larado-Houston) - Map (Billings & Pase, 2008)
What does Soapberry Borer eat?
The diet of the Soapberry Borer includes hosts: Western Soapberry ( Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii , Sapindaceae) , and fringetree ( Chionanthus , Oleaceae).
When is Soapberry Borer active?
Soapberry Borer: seasonal activity - late May until early August (Billings & Pase, 2009).
What is the life cycle of a Soapberry Borer?
Some 75 Agrilus prionurus adults were collected from [caged infested soapberry log sections] during the period from late May until early August, all from trees cut in Fort Bend and Brazos counties. (Billings & Pase, 2009)