Agrilus viridescens
This record describes Agrilus viridescens (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Agrilus viridescens (Agrilus viridescens) is a species in the family Buprestidae, commonly known as metallic wood-boring beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Agrilinae, tribe Agrilini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Buprestoidea. This species belongs to the genus Agrilus. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 4.3 mm. Active during Mar-July.
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
c. TX to Mex - Map
Seasonal Activity
Mar-July ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae host in mesquite ( Prosopis glandulosa , Fabaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agrilus viridescens Knull 1935
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agrilus viridescens. 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 viridescens (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Agrilus viridescens
What is Agrilus viridescens?
Agrilus viridescens is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Agrilus viridescens?
4.3 mm
Where is Agrilus viridescens found?
Range: c. TX to Mex - Map
What does Agrilus viridescens eat?
The diet of the Agrilus viridescens includes larvae host in mesquite ( Prosopis glandulosa , Fabaceae).
When is Agrilus viridescens active?
Agrilus viridescens: seasonal activity - Mar-July ( 3 ).