Agrilus ruficollis

Distinguished from other Agrilus species by the combination of relatively large size (12–14 mm), vivid red pronotum contrasting with black elytra, and association with Rubus hosts. Similar in general appearance to other large, red-and-black Agrilus species such as A. fuscipennis (on persimmon) and A. vittaticollis (on serviceberry), but distinguished by host plant association and subtle morphological differences. Accurate identification may require examination of male genitalia due to the taxonomic complexity of the genus.

Adults are relatively large for the genus Agrilus, measuring approximately 12–14 mm in length. The pronotum is vivid red, contrasting with black elytra. The body exhibits the characteristic metallic sheen typical of jewel beetles. Like other Agrilus species, the body is elongate and somewhat flattened, with short, serrate antennae.

Associated with blackberry canes (Rubus spp.) in agricultural and wild settings. In North America, found in regions supporting Rubus species including Arkansas and other blackberry-growing areas. The species develops within living cane tissue rather than dead wood.

Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China); North America including the United States (documented in Arkansas) and Canada (Manitoba).

Adult emergence occurs from late April to early June, with peak emergence over a two to four week period. In Arkansas studies, earliest emergence was recorded between 22–29 April, with latest completion by 8 June. Adults live approximately 13 days under laboratory conditions.

Larvae feed internally on blackberry cane pith, tunneling through living cane tissue. Specific adult feeding habits are not documented in available sources.

• Rubus spp. (blackberries) - larval hostLarvae develop within living canes, tunneling through pith and causing cane death. Primary documented host in Arkansas blackberry production systems.

Develops within living blackberry canes. Larvae tunnel through the pith of canes, causing structural damage and cane death. Pupation occurs within the cane, with adults emerging through exit holes. The complete life cycle timing varies annually based on temperature; in Arkansas, pupae transformed to inactive adults by late April to early May, with adult emergence completing by early June.

Adults emerge from blackberry canes over a two to four week period. Larvae exhibit an internal feeding habit, tunneling through cane pith. Colored sticky traps have proven ineffective for adult detection, suggesting limited visual attraction to such cues or low mobility.

In natural ecosystems, role is poorly documented. In agricultural contexts, acts as a pest species causing economic damage through destruction of blackberry canes. The internal larval feeding habit results in direct mortality of host cane tissue.

Documented pest of commercial and wild blackberries in Arkansas, causing economic losses through cane destruction. Insecticide trials indicate that malathion, chlorpyrifos, and methoxychlor provide adequate control; carbaryl requires more frequent application for effective management. Colored sticky traps are ineffective for monitoring.

• Agrilus fuscipennisSimilar large size and red-and-black coloration, but associated with persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) rather than Rubus
• Agrilus vittaticollisSimilar color pattern and size, but develops in serviceberry (Amelanchier)
• Agrilus concinnusLarger and more vividly colored, associated with Hibiscus rather than Rubus

• jewel beetle
• wood-borer
• agricultural pest
• Rubus pest
• cane borer

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Agrilus fuscipennis on Persimmon | Beetles In The Bush
• A flower visiting jewel beetle that is not an Acmaeodera | Beetles In The Bush
• Oedemeridae | Beetles In The Bush
• A classic fall ‘bycid | Beetles In The Bush
• Euhagena nebraskae… again | Beetles In The Bush
• BIOLOGY AND CONTROL OF THE REDNECKED CANE BORER, AGRILUS RUFICOLLIS (F.) (COLEOPTERA: BUPRESTIDAE), ON BLACKBERRIES IN ARKANSAS1