Agrilus ventralis
This record describes Agrilus ventralis (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elytra with subsutural vittae, ventrites 2&3 produced medially, antennae serrate from 4th antennomere. rarely collected Type Locality: New Mexico, no precise region known.
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
sw US (CA to w. TX, NE, UT-NV) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval host unknown. ( 3 ) Adults found on Acacia greggii , Encelia actoni , Prosopis glandulosa and Salix sp. ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agrilus ventralis Horn 1891
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agrilus ventralis. 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 ventralis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Hansen; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Agrilus ventralis
What is Agrilus ventralis?
Agrilus ventralis is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Agrilus ventralis?
3.5-4.25 mm
How do you identify Agrilus ventralis?
Elytra with subsutural vittae, ventrites 2&3 produced medially, antennae serrate from 4th antennomere.
Where is Agrilus ventralis found?
Range: sw US (CA to w. TX, NE, UT-NV) - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 )
What does Agrilus ventralis eat?
The diet of the Agrilus ventralis includes Larval host unknown. ( 3 ) Adults found on Acacia greggii , Encelia actoni , Prosopis glandulosa and Salix sp. ( 3 ).