Agrilus ferrisi
Dury, 1908
Agrilus ferrisi is a of metallic wood-boring in the , described by Dury in 1908. It is to North America and belongs to the hyperdiverse Agrilus, which contains hundreds of species of . The species is associated with Celtis (hackberry) as a larval , with emerging from dead or dying branches. It is one of many Agrilus species that are difficult to distinguish without close examination.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Agrilus ferrisi: /ˈæɡrɪləs ˈfɛrɪsaɪ/
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Habitat
Associated with Celtis reticulata (-veined hackberry) and related Celtis . are found on or near trees, often collected by beating dead or dying branches. develop in the wood of hackberry trees.
Distribution
North America; specifically recorded from Oklahoma and surrounding regions. The occurs in areas where Celtis reticulata grows, including xeric , glades, and mesa tops in the south-central United States.
Seasonality
have been collected in early May in Oklahoma, suggesting spring . Activity likely coincides with the early growing season of plants.
Diet
are wood-borers, feeding on the phloem and outer sapwood of Celtis (hackberry) . feeding habits are not documented but are likely minimal or restricted to foliage or bark of plants.
Host Associations
- Celtis reticulata - larval -veined hackberry; primary based on collection records from Oklahoma
- Celtis - larval -level association with hackberry trees
Life Cycle
develop as wood-borers in branches and trunks of living or recently dead hackberry trees. emerge from the wood, leaving characteristic holes. Specific details on -laying, larval , and are not documented.
Behavior
are and can be collected by beating vegetation. They are not known to visit flowers. are cryptic wood-borers that feed internally in host branches.
Ecological Role
As a wood-boring , contribute to the decomposition of dead and dying hackberry wood, recycling nutrients in forest and woodland . The is part of the diverse of associated with Celtis in North America.
Human Relevance
No significant economic or agricultural impact documented. Like many Agrilus , it may be occasionally encountered by and naturalists studying wood-boring or in hackberry-associated .
Similar Taxa
- AgrilusThe Agrilus contains hundreds of North , many of which are morphologically similar and require examination of or other subtle characters for identification. A. ferrisi is part of a associated with Celtis .
- Agrilus limpiaeAnother Agrilus associated with Celtis in the south-central United States, differing in associations and subtle morphological features.
More Details
Collection Method
Best collected by beating dead or dying branches of Celtis reticulata, particularly branches showing signs of such as holes or larval galleries beneath the bark.
Taxonomic History
Described by Dury in 1908, A. ferrisi has received limited study and is primarily known from scattered collection records. It is not among the better-known Agrilus , and its full geographic range and remain incompletely documented.