Agrilus macer

LeConte, 1858

Large Hackberry Agrilus

Agrilus macer is a metallic wood-boring in the , primarily associated with sugarberry (Celtis laevigata) in the southeastern United States. The is considered a that attacks dying or declining trees at high , with masses deposited on trunks, branches, and exposed roots. Despite intensive of weakened hosts, it does not appear to transmit harmful fungal or act as a primary cause of tree mortality.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Agrilus macer: /ˈæɡrɪləs ˈmeɪsər/

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Habitat

Associated with sugarberry (Celtis laevigata) trees in the southeastern USA, particularly dying or declining individuals. are deposited on trunks, branches, and exposed roots of trees.

Distribution

Widely distributed throughout the southern United States, with most records from Texas and Louisiana. Also reported from Central America and North America more broadly.

Host Associations

Celtis laevigata - larval sugarberry; primary associated with tree mortality in southeastern USA

Life Cycle

are laid in masses averaging 16 eggs each, with reaching up to 1.2 masses per 10 cm² on tree surfaces. Larval development occurs within the wood of the host .

Behavior

colonize dying sugarberry trees at high . The exhibits intensive -laying on exposed surfaces of weakened , including trunks, branches, and roots.

Ecological Role

on sugarberry trees; attacks trees already in decline rather than causing primary mortality. Does not transmit harmful fungal to based on inoculation trials.

Human Relevance

Monitored in forest management contexts due to association with sugarberry mortality, though not considered a primary economic pest.