Agrilus smaragdifrons
This record describes Agrilus smaragdifrons (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
BG images taken in NYC (Jun 2014) may represent the earliest North American record
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
native to eastern Asia, adventive in our area (CT NY NJ PA as of 2016)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: ailanthus trees
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Latin for "emerald front", named for the bright green color on the head.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agrilus smaragdifrons. 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 smaragdifrons (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Agrilus smaragdifrons
What is Agrilus smaragdifrons?
Agrilus smaragdifrons is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Agrilus smaragdifrons found?
Range: native to eastern Asia, adventive in our area (CT NY NJ PA as of 2016)
What does Agrilus smaragdifrons eat?
The diet of the Agrilus smaragdifrons includes host: ailanthus trees.