Agrilus lecontei

Agrilus lecontei is part of the large and taxonomically challenging genus Agrilus, which contains hundreds of North American species. Accurate identification typically requires examination of male genitalia and comparison with type specimens or authoritative reference collections. The subspecies A. lecontei celticola has been distinguished based on subtle morphological differences, though these characters intergrade across the species' range. Adults are small to medium-sized metallic beetles with the characteristic buprestid body form: somewhat flattened, with short antennae and a tapering posterior. The species may be confused with other Agrilus species associated with Celtis, such as A. paracelti, and definitive identification should not be attempted from photographs alone.

Associated with hackberry (Celtis spp.) and related woody vegetation. The nominate subspecies occurs in southern Texas and adjacent regions, while the subspecies celticola has been recorded from Texas northward through Oklahoma and potentially into eastern states, though records become increasingly questionable where intergradation with the nominate form occurs. The species inhabits riparian and upland woodland habitats where host trees occur.

North America. The species has been documented from southern Texas (type locality Brownsville area) northward through Oklahoma and potentially into the eastern United States. GBIF records indicate presence in the Nearctic realm with confirmed observations from the United States. The subspecies A. lecontei celticola has been specifically recorded from Texas and Oklahoma, with questionable records from further east.

Larvae are wood-borers that develop in living or recently dead branches of hackberry (Celtis spp.) and potentially related hosts. Adults have been observed on foliage of host plants and may feed on leaf tissue or other plant surfaces, though specific adult feeding habits are poorly documented.

• Celtis reticulata - larval hostNet-veined hackberry; subspecies celticola specifically associated
• Celtis occidentalis - larval hostCommon hackberry
• Celtis laevigata - larval hostSugar hackberry

Like other Agrilus species, A. lecontei has a typical buprestid life cycle with eggs laid in bark crevices or wounds on host branches. Larvae bore into the wood, creating galleries under the bark and into the sapwood, where they feed and develop over one or more years. Pupation occurs in a pupal chamber within the wood, and adults emerge through characteristic D-shaped exit holes. The specific duration of development and number of generations per year have not been documented for this species.

Adults are diurnal and have been collected by beating branches of host trees. They are likely strong fliers capable of locating host trees across the landscape. Larval galleries are packed with frass, distinguishing them from cerambycid borers which typically maintain open galleries.

As a primary wood-borer in living or stressed hackberry branches, A. lecontei contributes to nutrient cycling and creates habitat for secondary colonizers. The species may occasionally cause noticeable branch dieback on host trees, though it is not considered a major pest. It serves as prey for woodpeckers and other insectivores that excavate larval galleries.

Minor economic significance. The species is not a major forest or ornamental pest but may contribute to branch mortality in hackberry plantings. It is of interest to coleopterists and naturalists, with subspecies celticola being a notable target for collectors in Texas and Oklahoma. The taxonomic status of the subspecies has been debated among buprestid specialists.

• Agrilus paraceltiAlso associated with Celtis; requires careful examination of genitalia and elytral sculpture for separation
• Agrilus limpiaeAssociated with Sapindus (soapberry); similar size and general appearance but different host preference
• Agrilus ornatulusAssociated with Sapindus; may occur sympatrically and requires detailed examination for identification

The subspecies A. lecontei celticola has been reported from eastern Tennessee and other locations far from the type locality, but these records are questionable given the broad intergradation zone between subspecies across Louisiana and Mississippi. Material from these areas cannot be conclusively assigned to either subspecies based on current knowledge.

• wood-borer
• hackberry associate
• subspecies controversy
• North American endemic

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
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