Agrilus horni
Kerremans, 1900
aspen root girdler
Agrilus horni, commonly known as the aspen root girdler, is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the Buprestidae. The is a pest of aspen (Populus tremuloides), causing damage by girdling the roots and lower stems of suckers. It is morphologically similar to Agrilus anxius (bronze birch borer) and Agrilus liragus (bronze poplar borer) but can be distinguished by its distinctive root-girdling . The species has been documented in North America from Arizona, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Agrilus horni: //ˈæɡrɪləs ˈhɔːrni//
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Identification
Agrilus horni can be distinguished from its close relatives Agrilus anxius and Agrilus liragus by its rather than alone. are metallic wood-boring beetles typical of the Agrilus. The is most reliably identified by its association with aspen root girdling damage and the distinctive spiral gallery pattern created by larvae, which encircle the root and continue up the stem for several inches.
Habitat
Aspen forest , particularly areas with aspen sucker . The is associated with the root systems of aspen trees, especially in experimental outplantings and poorer natural aspen sites where it may become a serious problem.
Distribution
North America: documented from Arizona, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan in the United States; also recorded from Manitoba and New Brunswick in Canada.
Host Associations
- Populus tremuloides - larval aspen; larvae bore into roots and girdle suckers
Life Cycle
are laid near the ground line on aspen suckers. Larvae bore down to the cortex, then follow this zone outward along the main root. The larva turns back into the cambium and returns to the main stem in a spiral gallery that encircles the root, continuing up the stem for several inches and girdling the plant.
Behavior
are attracted to ethanol-based traps, suggesting they may be drawn to stressed or dying material. Larvae exhibit a distinctive spiral gallery pattern when feeding, encircling roots and moving up stems to girdle the plant.
Ecological Role
As a herbivore on aspen, this can significantly impact aspen , particularly in managed outplantings and on poorer natural sites. Its root-girdling can kill young aspen suckers.
Human Relevance
Considered a pest in forestry contexts, particularly in experimental aspen outplantings. The species can cause significant mortality in young aspen stands and may require management attention in silvicultural operations.
Similar Taxa
- Agrilus anxiusmorphologically similar; distinguished by association (birch) and lack of root-girdling
- Agrilus liragusmorphologically similar; distinguished by association (poplar) and lack of root-girdling