Agrilus egeniformis

Champlain & Knull, 1923

Agrilus egeniformis is a of metallic wood-boring beetle in the Buprestidae, described by Champlain and Knull in 1923. It is found in North America and has been reared from honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) and western soapberry (Sapindus saponaria). The species is one of several jewel beetles associated with honey locust, though unlike the economically significant Agrilus difficilis, it develops in dead wood rather than living trees. are relatively large for the and can be distinguished from similar species by specific morphological features.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Agrilus egeniformis: /ˈæɡrɪləs ˌɛdʒɛnɪˈfɔːrmɪs/

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Identification

May be confused with Agrilus difficilis, A. fallax, and A. pseudofallax. Distinguished from A. difficilis by smaller size, lack of coppery color with purple luster, and absence of distinctive lateral white pubescent patches. Accurate identification may require examination of male genitalia or comparison with .

Habitat

Associated with woodland and riparian where plants occur. Found in areas with honey locust and western soapberry, including sand dune habitats and mesquite/oak chaparral in the southern Great Plains.

Distribution

North America. Documented from Oklahoma (Gloss Mountain State Park, Major County; Beaver Dunes State Park), with records indicating presence in the south-central United States. The GBIF record mentioning Ontario, Canada appears to be an error or misidentification given the ecological context of the .

Seasonality

active during spring and early summer. In Oklahoma, collected in early June.

Host Associations

Gleditsia triacanthos - larval Reared from dead wood of honey locust. One of twelve jewel beetle reared from honey locust wood.
Sapindus saponaria - larval Reared from western soapberry, giving the an unusual distribution pattern.

Life Cycle

Larval development occurs in dead wood of plants, not living trees. emerge from dead branches. This distinguishes it from A. difficilis, which attacks living trees.

Behavior

are found on foliage of plants. Not known to visit flowers regularly, unlike some such as A. muticus.

Ecological Role

Decomposer in dead wood of plants. Contributes to nutrient cycling in woodland and riparian . Not a significant pest as it does not attack living trees.

Human Relevance

Minor relevance. Not an economically significant pest unlike some . May be encountered by collectors studying jewel beetle diversity or monitoring honey locust-associated fauna.

Similar Taxa

Agrilus difficilisSimilar size and association with honey locust; distinguished by larger size, coppery color with purple luster, absence of spots on , and distinctive lateral white pubescent patches. A. difficilis attacks living trees while A. egeniformis develops in dead wood.
Agrilus fallaxOne of three that might be confused with A. difficilis; distinguished by morphological features including coloration and pattern.
Agrilus pseudofallaxOne of three that might be confused with A. difficilis; distinguished by morphological features including coloration and pattern.

More Details

Taxonomic History

Described by Champlain and Knull in 1923. The specific epithet 'egeniformis' refers to its resemblance to A. egenus (now considered a synonym of A. politus).

Collection Notes

At Gloss Mountain State Park, Oklahoma, beaten from western soapberry in a copse on top of a gypsum-capped mesa, where it occurred with A. ornatulus. At Beaver Dunes State Park, associated with honey locust in campground areas.