Agrilus subcinctus
This record describes Agrilus subcinctus (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. E. G. Riley 2009 at high-moderate risk of endangerment due to the EAB ( 3 )
Identification notes
Det. E. G. Riley 2009
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 US to NM (NM-FL-NY-NE) - Map
Seasonal Activity
Adults most abundant between late May and early July in southern Michigan. (Haack & Petrice, 2009)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae host primarily in dead ash twigs - Fraxinus (Oleaceae) Reported feeding on poison ivy ( Toxicodendron radicans ) Illinois Wildflowers
Life History
Biology of Agrilus subcinctus - Robert Haack & Toby Petrice, US Forest Service Adults fed on ash foliage and laid eggs primarily on recently dead ash twigs. Larvae developed in the phloem of the dead twigs throughout the summer and fall and overwintered as larvae or pupae. Populations of A. subcinctus increased primarily in areas with an abundance of recently dead ash trees. Given that emerald ash borer (EAB) is killing millions of ash trees, it should be expected that A. subcinctus populations will peak 1 to 2 years behind peak EAB populations. Although not documented yet, we expect A. subcinctus populations to collapse after the ash trees have been dead two or more years given that the phloem tissue will no longer be suitable for A. subcinctus development.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agrilus subcinctus Gory 1841
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agrilus subcinctus. 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 subcinctus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua P. Basham; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Agrilus subcinctus
What is Agrilus subcinctus?
Agrilus subcinctus is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Agrilus subcinctus?
~4 mm
How do you identify Agrilus subcinctus?
Det. E. G. Riley 2009
Where is Agrilus subcinctus found?
Range: e US to NM (NM-FL-NY-NE) - Map
What does Agrilus subcinctus eat?
The diet of the Agrilus subcinctus includes Larvae host primarily in dead ash twigs - Fraxinus (Oleaceae) Reported feeding on poison ivy ( Toxicodendron radicans ) Illinois Wildflowers.
When is Agrilus subcinctus active?
Agrilus subcinctus: seasonal activity - Adults most abundant between late May and early July in southern Michigan. (Haack & Petrice, 2009).
What is the life cycle of a Agrilus subcinctus?
Biology of Agrilus subcinctus - Robert Haack & Toby Petrice, US Forest Service Adults fed on ash foliage and laid eggs primarily on recently dead ash twigs. Larvae developed in the phloem of the dead twigs throughout the summer and fall and overwintered as larvae or pupae. Populations of A. subcinctus increased primarily in areas with an abundance of recently dead ash trees. Given that emerald ash borer (EAB) is killing millions of ash trees, it should be expected that A. subcinctus populations will peak 1 to 2 years behind peak EAB populations. Although not documented yet, we expect A. subcinctus populations to collapse after the ash trees have been dead two or more years given that the phloem tissue will no longer be suitable for A. subcinctus development.