Agrilus pseudofallax

Frost, 1923

Agrilus pseudofallax is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the Buprestidae. The was described by Frost in 1923 and occurs across eastern North America from Texas to Pennsylvania. It is closely related to A. fallax, with which it shares morphological similarities and ecological associations. are associated with honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), where larvae develop as borers in dead wood.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Agrilus pseudofallax: /ˈæɡrɪləs ˌsjuːdoʊˈfæləks/

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Identification

Agrilus pseudofallax can be distinguished from the similar A. fallax and A. difficilis by its smaller size and the presence of elytral markings (white dots). A. difficilis is larger, has a coppery color with purple luster, lacks spots or pubescent lines on the , and has distinctive lateral white pubescent patches. A. egeniformis is another similar that can be confused with A. pseudofallax. Examination of elytral pattern and body size is necessary for reliable identification.

Appearance

are dark bronze in coloration. The bear three pairs of white dots. The is described as similar in appearance to the most robust specimens of A. fallax, which inspired its specific epithet. Size and general body form are comparable to other medium-sized Agrilus species.

Habitat

Associated with honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos). are found on living trees, though larvae develop in dead wood. The occurs in wooded areas and landscapes where the plant is present.

Distribution

Eastern North America, ranging from Texas to Pennsylvania. Records indicate presence across this latitudinal span in the central and eastern United States.

Host Associations

  • Gleditsia triacanthos - larval Larvae develop as borers in dead wood of honey locust; are found on living trees

Human Relevance

A member of a containing several economically important forest and landscape pests. While A. pseudofallax itself is not a documented pest of living trees, its relatives A. difficilis, A. anxius, A. bilineatus, and A. planipennis cause significant damage to ornamental and forest trees. The has been documented as prey of the biosurveillance Cerceris fumipennis.

Similar Taxa

  • Agrilus fallaxSimilar appearance and shared association with honey locust; A. pseudofallax was named for its resemblance to robust specimens of this
  • Agrilus difficilisShares honey locust and may co-occur; distinguished by larger size, coppery-purple coloration, lack of elytral spots, and lateral white pubescent patches
  • Agrilus egeniformisAnother honey locust associate that may be confused with A. pseudofallax; reared from dead wood rather than living trees

More Details

Taxonomic placement

Sometimes included in the subgenus Agrilus (Agrilus). The epithet 'pseudofallax' reflects its morphological similarity to A. fallax.

Biosurveillance significance

Documented as prey of Cerceris fumipennis, a solitary used for biosurveillance of emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) and other buprestid beetles. One nest excavation revealed A. pseudofallax co-occurring with Poecilonota cyanipes and A. quadriguttatus.

Sources and further reading