Agrilus muticus
LeConte, 1858
Winecup Agrilus
Agrilus muticus is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the Buprestidae. Unlike most North American Agrilus , which are associated with woody plants, of this species are found almost exclusively on the flowers of winecup (Callirhoe involucrata). The species occurs in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Larval development has not been confirmed, but larvae are suspected to tunnel within the stem base or main roots of living winecup plants. This is one of only two North American Agrilus species documented to routinely visit flowers.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Agrilus muticus: /ˈæɡrɪləs ˈmjuːtɪkəs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
can be distinguished from other North American Agrilus by their consistent association with winecup flowers (Callirhoe involucrata). Most other Agrilus species in North America are found on woody plants rather than herbaceous flowers. The only other North American Agrilus known to routinely visit flowers is A. blandus, which is associated with Eriogonum flowers.
Images
Habitat
Associated with sand prairie and grassland where the larval plant winecup (Callirhoe involucrata) occurs. are found specifically on the flowers of this plant.
Distribution
Found in North America, specifically in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
Diet
feed on petals of winecup (Callirhoe involucrata). Mating has been observed on these flowers.
Host Associations
- Callirhoe involucrata - feeding and mating sitewinecup; found almost exclusively on flowers of this plant
Life Cycle
Larval has not been confirmed. Suspected to develop in stem base or main roots of living winecup plants based on behavioral analogy with related .
Behavior
are routinely encountered on winecup flowers wherever these plants are found in bloom. Adults have been observed feeding on petals and mating on flowers. Group mating has been documented.
Similar Taxa
- Agrilus blandusOnly other North American Agrilus documented to routinely visit flowers; distinguished by association with Eriogonum rather than Callirhoe
- Acmaeodera speciesOther flower-visiting jewel beetles in North America, but these are typically black with yellow/red elytral markings and belong to different
More Details
Unusual biology within genus
Most North American Agrilus are associated with woody plants. The non-woody plant of the few exceptions (Callirhoe, Hibiscus, and Sphaeralcea) all belong to Malvaceae, suggesting a pattern of host specialization in this lineage.