Agrilus fuscipennis

Gory, 1841

persimmon agrilus

Agrilus fuscipennis, commonly known as the persimmon agrilus, is a relatively large and striking jewel beetle distinguished by its vivid red pronotum and black . It is among the most seldom encountered members of its in Missouri and surrounding regions. Unlike most Agrilus , which develop in dead wood, A. fuscipennis mines the lower trunks, crown, and main roots of living persimmon trees. The species is rarely collected, with most records consisting of single specimens beaten from plants.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Agrilus fuscipennis: /ˈæɡrɪləs fjuːsɪˈpɛnɪs/

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Identification

Agrilus fuscipennis is distinguished from other North American Agrilus by its relatively large size (12–14 mm length), vivid red pronotum contrasting with black , and association with living persimmon trees. It belongs to a small group of large, colorful Agrilus species that develop in living rather than dead plants, including A. concinnus (on wild hibiscus) and A. vittaticollis (on serviceberry). Most other Agrilus species are smaller, less vividly colored, and associated with dead wood.

Habitat

Associated with persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) in dry-mesic forests and glade margins. The inhabits the lower trunks, crown, and main roots of living trees rather than dead wood.

Distribution

North America. Documented from Missouri (White River Hills region, including Hercules Glades Wilderness and Victoria Glades Conservation Area) and broadly across eastern North America.

Seasonality

have been collected in late spring and early summer (May–June). Specific is poorly documented due to the ' rarity.

Diet

Larvae feed on living persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), mining the lower trunks, crown, and main roots. feeding habits are not documented.

Host Associations

Diospyros virginiana - larval Living trees; mines lower trunks, crown, and main roots

Life Cycle

Larvae develop as miners in living persimmon trees, creating galleries in the lower trunks, crown, and main roots. Unlike most Agrilus that develop in dead wood and can be easily reared by collecting infested material, A. fuscipennis is difficult to rear due to its association with living . emerge in late spring to early summer.

Behavior

are apparently secretive and rarely encountered even when plants are beaten systematically. The author reports finding only single specimens despite extensive beating of persimmon trees.

Similar Taxa

Agrilus concinnusSimilar large size, vivid coloration (red and black), and association with living plants (wild hibiscus); distinguished by host association and subtle morphological differences
Agrilus vittaticollisSimilar large size, vivid coloration, and association with living plants (serviceberry); distinguished by host association and subtle morphological differences