Red-necked Cane Borer
Agrilus ruficollis
This record describes Agrilus ruficollis (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Differentiated from similar-colored nearctic spp. by the following combination: Broad, deep concavity of the front of the head, distinctive projecting carina from the pygidium and nearly touching tarsal claws.
Wikipedia reference for Agrilus ruficollis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agrilus_ruficollis.
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 (QC-FL to MB-TX) & CA - Map
Seasonal Activity
May-Aug (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae produce galls on wild/domestic blackberry/raspberry ( Rubus ) ( damage ); also on dewberry , boysenberry
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agrilus ruficollis (Fabricius 1787)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agrilus ruficollis. 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 Red-necked Cane Borer (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Red-necked Cane Borer
What is Red-necked Cane Borer?
Red-necked Cane Borer (Agrilus ruficollis) is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Red-necked Cane Borer?
6-8 mm
How do you identify Red-necked Cane Borer?
Differentiated from similar-colored nearctic spp. by the following combination: Broad, deep concavity of the front of the head, distinctive projecting carina from the pygidium and nearly touching tarsal claws.
Where is Red-necked Cane Borer found?
Range: e. NA (QC-FL to MB-TX) & CA - Map
When is Red-necked Cane Borer active?
Red-necked Cane Borer: seasonal activity - May-Aug (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Red-necked Cane Borer?
Larvae produce galls on wild/domestic blackberry/raspberry ( Rubus ) ( damage ); also on dewberry , boysenberry