Agrilus lecontei celticola
Fisher, 1928
Agrilus lecontei celticola is a of in the , described by Fisher in 1928. The subspecies is associated with hackberry (Celtis spp.) as a larval . Its taxonomic validity has been questioned, with evidence suggesting it transitions broadly across Louisiana and Mississippi with the nominate subspecies A. lecontei lecontei, making subspecific identification of specimens from eastern regions problematic. The subspecies has been recorded from Texas and Oklahoma.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Agrilus lecontei celticola: /ˈæɡrɪləs ləˈkɒntaɪ ˌkɛltɪˈkoʊlə/
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Identification
Distinguished from the nominate A. lecontei lecontei by subtle morphological differences that may represent a broad clinal transition rather than discrete subspecific boundaries. Specimens from eastern cannot be conclusively assigned to this subspecies due to this transition zone. Identification requires examination of specimens; are wood-borers in branches.
Images
Habitat
Associated with hackberry (Celtis spp.) woodlands and riparian areas where trees occur.
Distribution
Recorded from Texas and Oklahoma. The subspecific boundary is not sharply defined; transitions broadly across Louisiana and Mississippi with the nominate .
Diet
bore in living branches of hackberry (Celtis spp.), including Celtis reticulata (-veined hackberry) and Celtis occidentalis (common hackberry). have been observed on hackberry foliage.
Host Associations
- Celtis reticulata - larval -veined hackberry
- Celtis occidentalis - larval common hackberry
- Celtis spp. - larval hackberry generally
Life Cycle
Wood-boring develop in living branches of hackberry trees. emerge from host branches.
Behavior
have been collected by beating living and dead branches of hackberry trees.
Ecological Role
As a wood-boring , contribute to branch dieback in hackberry trees.
Similar Taxa
- Agrilus lecontei leconteiNominate ; transitions broadly with A. l. celticola across Louisiana and Mississippi, making subspecific assignment of intermediate difficult
- Agrilus paraceltiAlso associated with Celtis; collected syntopically with A. lecontei celticola
- Agrilus obolinusSimilar size and appearance; also associated with Celtis
Misconceptions
The subspecific distinction between A. lecontei celticola and A. lecontei lecontei may not be warranted, as the forms transition broadly across the central Gulf region rather than exhibiting discrete boundaries. Specimens from eastern Tennessee and similar regions cannot be reliably assigned to this .