Agrilus subtropicus
This record describes Agrilus subtropicus (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
a somewhat atypical Agrilus species in that it is one of the few species found in America north of Mexico that has the tips of the elytra prolonged. Texas considers this to be a SGCN Type Locality: Esperanza Ranch, Brownsville, Cameron Co., TX (Schaeffer 1905)
Wikipedia reference for Agrilus subtropicus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agrilus subtropicus.
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
southmost TX (Cameron & Hidalgo cos.) / Mexico (Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas) and Honduras - Map
Seasonal Activity
Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: April, May, June, July.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults on: Spiny Hackberry - Celtis ehrenbergiana Syn: C. pallida (Schaeffer 1905) Texas Persimmon - Diospyros texana Knull took adults of this species in the Brownsville area on widely separated trees of Texas persimmon and he expressed the thought that this was probably the host for the species. As of yet, the larval host of this species has not been determined.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agrilus subtropicus Schaeffer 1905
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agrilus subtropicus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Agrilus subtropicus
What is Agrilus subtropicus?
Agrilus subtropicus is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Agrilus subtropicus?
7.5-9 mm (Schaeffer 1905)
How do you identify Agrilus subtropicus?
a somewhat atypical Agrilus species in that it is one of the few species found in America north of Mexico that has the tips of the elytra prolonged.
Where is Agrilus subtropicus found?
Range: southmost TX (Cameron & Hidalgo cos.) / Mexico (Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas) and Honduras - Map
What does Agrilus subtropicus eat?
The diet of the Agrilus subtropicus includes Adults on: Spiny Hackberry - Celtis ehrenbergiana Syn: C. pallida (Schaeffer 1905) Texas Persimmon - Diospyros texana Knull took adults of this species in the Brownsville area on widely separated trees of Texas persimmon and he expressed the thought that this was probably the host for the species. As of yet, the larval host of this species has not been determined..
When is Agrilus subtropicus active?
Agrilus subtropicus: seasonal activity - Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: April, May, June, July..