Bayberry Agrilus
Agrilus sayi
This record describes Agrilus sayi (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
both pronotum and head red (in A. ruficollis , pronotum only); not quite as black as A. 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 (NS‒ON to FL)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: bayberry (major larval host), sweetfern
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agrilus sayi Saunders 1870
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agrilus sayi. 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 Bayberry Agrilus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Bayberry Agrilus
What is Bayberry Agrilus?
Bayberry Agrilus (Agrilus sayi) is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Bayberry Agrilus?
6‒7.5 mm
How do you identify Bayberry Agrilus?
both pronotum and head red (in A. ruficollis , pronotum only); not quite as black as A. ruficollis
Where is Bayberry Agrilus found?
Range: e.NA (NS‒ON to FL)
What does Bayberry Agrilus eat?
The diet of the Bayberry Agrilus includes hosts: bayberry (major larval host), sweetfern.