Agrilus arizonicus
Obenberger, 1936
Agrilus arizonicus is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the Buprestidae, first described by Obenberger in 1936. The exhibits in coloration: males are bright green, while females appear more coppery. It has been documented from southeastern Arizona in the United States and likely extends into Mexico. The species is associated with oak woodlands and has been collected from Desmodium vegetation.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Agrilus arizonicus: /əˈɡraɪləs ˌærɪˈzɒnɪkəs/
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Identification
Distinguished from similar Agrilus by the combination of bright green coloration in males (coppery in females), association with Desmodium plants in oak woodland of southeastern Arizona, and collection during summer months. The in coloration is a notable field mark. Similar to other small Agrilus species but can be separated by geographic range and host association.
Habitat
Oak woodlands in mountainous regions of southeastern Arizona. Associated with Desmodium vegetation. Occurs in the "Sky Island" mountain ranges including the Patagonia Mountains and Huachuca Mountains.
Distribution
Southeastern Arizona, United States. Records from Patagonia Mountains (Patagonia Pass), Huachuca Mountains ( Canyon), and Santa Cruz Mountains (Sycamore Canyon). Likely extends into adjacent Mexico. Not recorded from the type locality of Arizona (the name refers to the state, not a specific mountain).
Seasonality
active during summer months. Documented collections from late July to early August.
Host Associations
- Desmodium - plantCollected by sweeping low vegetation, including mating pairs observed on Desmodium.
Behavior
have been observed in mating pairs on vegetation. Collected by sweeping low-growing vegetation and beating host plants. Not attracted to ultraviolet lights based on available collecting records.
Similar Taxa
- Agrilus restrictusBoth are uncommon oak-associated Agrilus found in southeastern Arizona, but A. restrictus is beaten from Quercus emoryi (Emory oak) rather than Desmodium.
- Agrilus pulchellusCollected sympatrically with A. arizonicus at Sycamore Canyon, Arizona, but differs in association and subtle morphological features.
More Details
Collecting history
First collected by the author of the primary source (Ted C. MacRae) on July 30, 2018 at Patagonia Pass in the Patagonia Mountains, representing a new for his collection and a notable find given its perceived rarity.
Nomenclatural note
Despite the specific epithet 'arizonicus', the appears to be restricted to the southeastern portion of Arizona and adjacent Mexico, rather than occurring throughout the state.