Agrilus paraimpexus
Hespenheide, 2007
Agrilus paraimpexus is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the Buprestidae, described by Henry Hespenheide in 2007 to resolve taxonomic confusion surrounding Agrilus impexus. The was previously misidentified as A. impexus in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is known from the desert southwest of the United States, Mexico, and Central America. The species is associated with woody vegetation, with suspected relationships to honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Agrilus paraimpexus: /ˈæɡrɪləs ˌpærəɪmˈpɛksəs/
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Identification
Larger than the true Agrilus impexus, from which it was separated taxonomically. Distinguished from A. impexus by size and geographic distribution: A. paraimpexus occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, while true A. impexus is rare and found in the Great Plains region.
Images
Habitat
Desert southwest environments; associated with woody vegetation along glade edges and similar open .
Distribution
Southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America.
Host Associations
- Gleditsia triacanthos - suspected Based on collection context; not confirmed
Human Relevance
Subject of taxonomic revision that clarified long-standing confusion in Agrilus . Rarely encountered by collectors.
Similar Taxa
- Agrilus impexusPreviously confused with A. paraimpexus; true A. impexus is smaller and occurs in the Great Plains rather than the desert southwest