Agrilus vittaticollis

(Randall, 1838)

Hawthorn Root Borer

Agrilus vittaticollis, commonly known as the hawthorn root borer, is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the Buprestidae. It is one of several larger, more conspicuous Agrilus characterized by a red pronotum and black . The species develops in living rather than dead plants, specifically in serviceberry (Amelanchier). It is found in North America but is not commonly encountered compared to many other Agrilus species.

Agrilus vittaticollis by (c) Dan MacNeal, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Dan MacNeal. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Agrilus vittaticollis: /ˈæɡrɪləs vɪˌtætɪˈkɒlɪs/

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Identification

Agrilus vittaticollis belongs to a small group of similar-looking Agrilus distinguished by large size (relative to the ), black , and red pronotum with a densely pubescent channel. It is most similar to Agrilus audax and Agrilus benjamini. A key diagnostic feature is the : in A. vittaticollis, the sides are bent downward to sharp points, whereas in A. audax the sides are normal and not bent downward. A. benjamini males have only an obsolete depression on the sternite, while A. audax males have a deep, smooth, elongate depression. Examination of facial and characters is required for definitive identification.

Images

Habitat

Associated with serviceberry (Amelanchier) plants. Larvae mine the lower trunks, crown, and main roots of living host plants rather than dead wood.

Distribution

North America. Records include Ontario and British Columbia in Canada, and presumably the United States though specific states are not detailed in available sources.

Diet

Larval development occurs in living serviceberry (Amelanchier) plants. have been observed on foliage of plants.

Host Associations

Amelanchier - larval serviceberry; larvae mine living trunks, crowns, and main roots

Life Cycle

Larvae develop as borers in living woody tissue of plants, specifically in lower trunks, crown, and main roots. Unlike many Agrilus that develop in dead wood, this species requires living host tissue. The difficulty of rearing from living hosts contributes to its infrequent collection.

Behavior

are found on foliage of larval plants. The is not routinely encountered, likely due to the difficulty of rearing from living hosts compared to species that develop in dead wood.

Similar Taxa

Agrilus audaxSimilar large size, black , and red pronotum with densely pubescent channel; distinguished by with normal sides not bent downward to sharp points, and male sternite with deep smooth elongate depression
Agrilus benjaminiSimilar large size, black , and red pronotum with densely pubescent channel; distinguished by deeply depressed and pubescent only on lower half, and male sternite with only obsolete depression
Agrilus fuscipennisSimilar size and color pattern (red pronotum, black ), but associated with persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) rather than serviceberry

More Details

Taxonomic history

The was originally described as Buprestis vittaticollis by Randall in 1838 before being transferred to Agrilus.

Rarity and collection

Despite being the most common member of its group, A. vittaticollis is still not as frequently encountered as many other Agrilus species. This is attributed to its development in living tissue, making it more difficult to rear than species that develop in dead wood.