Agrilus pubescens
This record describes Agrilus pubescens (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Agrilus pubescens (Agrilus pubescens) is a species in the family Buprestidae, commonly known as metallic wood-boring beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Agrilinae, tribe Agrilini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Buprestoidea. This species belongs to the genus Agrilus.
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
AZ, TX*, NE, SD - Map , uncommon [*Texas records turned out to be Agrilus bespencus Barr]
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae in catclaw acacia - Senegalia (=Acacia) greggii (Fabaceae) Adults also on mesquite - prosopis grandulosa
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agrilus pubescens Fisher 1928
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agrilus pubescens. 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 pubescens (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Agrilus pubescens
What is Agrilus pubescens?
Agrilus pubescens is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Agrilus pubescens found?
Range: AZ, TX*, NE, SD - Map , uncommon [*Texas records turned out to be Agrilus bespencus Barr]
What does Agrilus pubescens eat?
The diet of the Agrilus pubescens includes Larvae in catclaw acacia - Senegalia (=Acacia) greggii (Fabaceae) Adults also on mesquite - prosopis grandulosa.