Agrilus amelanchieri

Knull, 1944

Agrilus amelanchieri is a metallic wood-boring beetle ( Buprestidae) described by Knull in 1944. The belongs to the hyperdiverse Agrilus, which contains nearly 4,000 described species and may be the largest genus in the animal kingdom. Based on the specific epithet and comparison with such as A. vittaticollis, this species is likely associated with serviceberry (Amelanchier) as a larval . Like other members of the genus, are probably found on foliage of their host plants. The species occurs in North America, with records from Ontario and Québec in Canada.

Agrilus amelanchieri by no rights reserved, uploaded by Nick Bédard. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Agrilus amelanchieri: /ˈæɡrɪləs ˌæməˈlæŋkiˌɛraɪ/

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Identification

Specific diagnostic features for A. amelanchieri are not documented in the provided sources. Within the Agrilus, identification typically requires examination of male genitalia due to the morphological similarity of many . The species name suggests association with Amelanchier (serviceberry), which may aid in field recognition when found on this . Comparison with the similar A. vittaticollis (also associated with Amelanchier) would require detailed morphological study.

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Habitat

Likely associated with woodland and forest edge where serviceberry (Amelanchier) occurs. Based on , larvae probably develop in branches or stems of living or recently dead plants.

Distribution

North America. Documented from Ontario and Québec, Canada. The GBIF match indicates broader distribution records including , though specific locality data beyond Canada is not confirmed in available sources.

Seasonality

activity period not documented in available sources. Most Agrilus are active during spring and early summer, though some western species associated with Asteraceae exhibit late summer activity.

Host Associations

Amelanchier - probable larval Inferred from specific epithet; confirmed for A. vittaticollis

Life Cycle

Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Larvae of Agrilus are wood-borers, typically developing in twigs, branches, or stems of plants. Specific details for A. amelanchieri are not documented.

Behavior

likely occur on foliage of plants, as is typical for the . Not known to visit flowers.

Ecological Role

Larvae function as primary consumers, tunneling in woody plant tissue and contributing to nutrient cycling. Their role in forest is generally minor except when occur.

Human Relevance

No documented economic importance. Not known to be a significant pest of serviceberry or other cultivated plants.

Similar Taxa

Agrilus vittaticollisAlso associated with Amelanchier (serviceberry); larger (12–14 mm) with vivid red pronotum and black ; may be distinguished by coloration and size
Other Agrilus speciesHyperdiverse with nearly 3,000 described in North America; many morphologically similar and require genitalia examination for definitive identification

More Details

Etymology

The specific epithet 'amelanchieri' derives from Amelanchier, the of serviceberry, indicating the probable larval association.

Taxonomic context

Agrilus is perhaps the largest in the animal kingdom, with nearly 4,000 described worldwide. The genus is characterized by small size, typically subdued metallic coloration compared to other Buprestidae, and primarily woody plant associations. Species limits are often difficult to define, with many distinguishable only by male genitalia.