ColeopteraBuprestidae – Metallic Wood-boring Beetles

Agrilus sapindi

This record describes Agrilus sapindi (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Agrilus sapindi - Agrilus sapindi
Contributed by Mike Quinn

Agrilus sapindi (Agrilus sapindi) 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

NM to s. TX, KS - Map

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Adults host on Western Soapberry ( Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii , Sapindaceae)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Agrilus sapindi Knull 1938

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agrilus sapindi. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Agrilus sapindi (2)

Agrilus sapindi - photo 1
Contributed by Mike Quinn
Agrilus sapindi - photo 2
Contributed by Mike Quinn

Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn

Frequently Asked Questions About Agrilus sapindi

What is Agrilus sapindi?

Agrilus sapindi is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.

Where is Agrilus sapindi found?

Range: NM to s. TX, KS - Map

What does Agrilus sapindi eat?

The diet of the Agrilus sapindi includes Adults host on Western Soapberry ( Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii , Sapindaceae).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.