Agrilus blandus

Horn, 1891

Agrilus blandus is a of metallic wood-boring beetle in the Buprestidae. It is found in North America. The species is notable among North American Agrilus for its routine association with flowers, particularly those of Eriogonum (wild buckwheat), which also serve as its confirmed larval . This flower-visiting is exceptional in a where typically do not visit flowers.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Agrilus blandus: /ˈæɡrɪləs ˈblændəs/

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Distribution

North America. Specific records include southern California, where it has been collected from flowers of Eriogonum, and Nevada (Step Ladder Trailhead, Kyle Canyon area).

Diet

feed on flowers of Eriogonum (wild buckwheat). Larvae develop within living stems or roots of Eriogonum, confirmed as the larval plant.

Host Associations

  • Eriogonum - larval and food sourceConfirmed larval ; frequently encountered on flowers of this .

Life Cycle

Larvae tunnel within stems or roots of living Eriogonum plants. emerge and visit flowers of the same .

Behavior

are frequently encountered on flowers of Eriogonum, an unusual for the Agrilus where most do not routinely visit flowers. Has been collected by sweeping flowers and beating plants.

Similar Taxa

  • Agrilus muticusBoth are rare North American Agrilus that routinely visit flowers rather than woody ; however, A. muticus is associated exclusively with Callirhoe involucrata (winecup, Malvaceae) rather than Eriogonum.

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Sources and further reading