Agrilus granulatus

(Say, 1823)

granulate poplar borer

Species Guides

2

Agrilus granulatus, commonly known as the granulate poplar borer, is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the Buprestidae. It is found across North America and is strongly associated with Populus as its larval . The species has been divided into four , with the nominate form A. g. granulatus restricted to areas east of the Rocky Mountains. are typically collected by beating branches of host plants, particularly those showing recent dieback.

Coleoptera-anobiidae-div-5179 (31807678177) by Insects, Insekten, Insectes, Insetti! from Bern, Switzerland. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.Coleoptera-anobiidae-div-5179 (31807678177) by Insects, Insekten, Insectes, Insetti! from Bern, Switzerland. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Agrilus granulatus: //ˈæɡrɪləs ˌɡrænjʊˈleɪtəs//

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Identification

Agrilus granulatus can be distinguished from the similar A. quadriguttatus by several characters: the lower has denser that obscures the surface (less dense in A. quadriguttatus); the pronotum has lateral margins that are strongly sinuate at the base with a distinct channel and pubescent lateral depressions (evenly rounded with less distinct channel and scarcely pubescent depressions in A. quadriguttatus); and the are more abruptly narrowed posteriorly with tips more coarsely serrulate and more distinct pubescent spots (more gradually narrowed with acutely rounded, less coarsely serrulate tips and less distinct spots in A. quadriguttatus).

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Habitat

Associated with cottonwood and poplar (Populus spp.) across North America. Larvae develop in dead or dying branches, particularly those exhibiting recent dieback. are found on foliage of plants, especially recently dead branches.

Distribution

North America. The nominate A. g. granulatus occurs east of the Rocky Mountains. Additional subspecies include A. g. liragus, A. g. mojavei, and A. g. populi with more restricted ranges.

Diet

Larvae feed within dead or dying wood of Populus . Larval include native eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) and introduced Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra var. 'Italica'). have been observed on foliage of host plants.

Host Associations

  • Populus deltoides - larval native eastern cottonwood
  • Populus nigra var. 'Italica' - larval introduced Lombardy poplar
  • Populus spp. - larval cottonwoods and poplars generally

Life Cycle

Larvae are wood-borers that tunnel within dead or dying branches of plants, packing fine sawdust-like behind them as they feed. Development occurs within the wood, with emerging from exit holes.

Behavior

are collected by beating branches of plants, indicating they remain on foliage rather than flying immediately when disturbed. They are associated with recently dead branches hanging from live trees or old, declining trees exhibiting branch dieback.

Ecological Role

As a primary consumer of dead and dying woody material, contributes to nutrient cycling in riparian and woodland dominated by Populus .

Human Relevance

Occasionally encountered by entomologists and collectors. Not considered a significant economic pest, though it may be found in ornamental plantings of poplar.

Similar Taxa

  • Agrilus quadriguttatusSimilar appearance but associated with willow (Salix spp.) rather than poplar; distinguished by less dense facial , evenly rounded pronotal margins, and more gradually narrowed with acutely rounded tips.

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Sources and further reading