Agrilus scitulus
This record describes Agrilus scitulus (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2021 Type Locality: Texas, probably Waco
Identification notes
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2021
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
KS to s. TX - Map , mostly roughly Del Rio to Corpus to College Sta. to Dallas
Seasonal Activity
Apr-June ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae host in western soapberry ( Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii , Sapindaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agrilus scitulus Horn 1891
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agrilus scitulus. 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 scitulus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Agrilus scitulus
What is Agrilus scitulus?
Agrilus scitulus is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Agrilus scitulus?
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2021
Where is Agrilus scitulus found?
Range: KS to s. TX - Map , mostly roughly Del Rio to Corpus to College Sta. to Dallas
What does Agrilus scitulus eat?
The diet of the Agrilus scitulus includes Larvae host in western soapberry ( Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii , Sapindaceae).
When is Agrilus scitulus active?
Agrilus scitulus: seasonal activity - Apr-June ( 3 ).