Agrilus fallax

Say, 1833

Agrilus fallax is a of metallic wood-boring beetle in the Buprestidae. It is found in North America, with records from Canada (Ontario, Québec) and the United States. The species is one of several jewel beetles associated with honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), though it has been reared only from dead wood rather than living trees. It may be confused with the larger and economically significant Agrilus difficilis, from which it can be distinguished by smaller size and different coloration.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Agrilus fallax: /ˈæɡrɪləs ˈfælæks/

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Identification

Agrilus fallax may be confused with Agrilus difficilis and two other (A. egeniformis and A. pseudofallax) that share association with honey locust. Unlike A. difficilis, which is relatively large with coppery coloration, purple luster, no spots on , and distinctive lateral patches of white , A. fallax is smaller and lacks these distinguishing features. Precise identification likely requires examination of male genitalia, as is common for many Agrilus .

Distribution

North America. Recorded from Ontario and Québec in Canada, and presumably present in the United States where its plant occurs.

Host Associations

  • Gleditsia triacanthos - larval Reared from dead wood of honey locust; may be encountered on living trees

Similar Taxa

  • Agrilus difficilisShares plant (Gleditsia triacanthos) and may occur on the same trees; distinguished by larger size, coppery color with purple luster, absence of elytral spots or pubescent lines, and distinctive lateral white pubescent patches
  • Agrilus egeniformisAlso associated with honey locust dead wood; one of three that may be confused with A. difficilis and by extension with each other
  • Agrilus pseudofallaxAlso associated with honey locust dead wood; one of three that may be confused with A. difficilis and by extension with each other

Sources and further reading