Agrilus toxotes
This record describes Agrilus toxotes (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The male pronotum is reddish. The female pronotum is blue. Sexual dimorphism, while common among Neotropical Agrilus , is rare among U.S. species (Ted C. MacRae, pers. comm. to MAQ)
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 (Hidalgo & Cameron Co.) / Mex - Map
Seasonal Activity
Sept-Oct. (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults on Barbados Cherry, Manzanita ( Malpighia glabra , Malpighiaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agrilus toxotes Obenberger, 1935
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agrilus toxotes. 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 toxotes (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Agrilus toxotes
What is Agrilus toxotes?
Agrilus toxotes is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Agrilus toxotes?
The male pronotum is reddish. The female pronotum is blue. Sexual dimorphism, while common among Neotropical Agrilus , is rare among U.S. species (Ted C. MacRae, pers. comm. to MAQ)
Where is Agrilus toxotes found?
Range: southmost TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Co.) / Mex - Map
What does Agrilus toxotes eat?
The diet of the Agrilus toxotes includes Adults on Barbados Cherry, Manzanita ( Malpighia glabra , Malpighiaceae).
When is Agrilus toxotes active?
Agrilus toxotes: seasonal activity - Sept-Oct. (BG data).