Agrilaxia texana

Agrilaxia texana can be distinguished from other Agrilaxia species by its geographic occurrence in Texas and Oklahoma. Within its range, it may be confused with other small Agrilus-group buprestids. The species was recognized in the field by an experienced collector based on prior familiarity with specimens collected in 1984 from northeastern Texas.

Associated with oak-dominated landscapes, specifically Quercus havardii (shinnery oak) thickets and clonal stands. The species has been collected from taller shrub-like oaks forming small tree copses in sandy, open habitats.

Documented from northeastern Texas (1984 collection) and northwestern Oklahoma (Ellis County, 2022 collection). The Oklahoma record represents a westward range extension from the previously known Texas locality.

Adults have been collected in early May, suggesting spring emergence and activity period.

• Quercus havardii - adult collection siteCollected by beating living shinnery oak; specific larval host unconfirmed but presumed to be oak

Adults have been observed on sunny, south-facing sides of oak copses, suggesting thermoregulatory or mate-finding behavior. The species is collected by beating living host plants.

Presumed wood-borer; likely contributes to nutrient cycling in oak ecosystems through larval tunneling in dead or dying woody material.

• Agrilus spp.Similar size and habitus; collected sympatrically from same oak hosts. Agrilaxia texana distinguished by subtle morphological features and confirmed by comparison to reference specimens.
• Other Agrilaxia speciesGeneric similarity; geographic distribution and host association with Quercus havardii help distinguish A. texana from congeners occurring in other regions.

• rare
• oak-associated
• wood-borer
• south-central US endemic

• BugGuide
• iNaturalist taxon
• Cerambycidae | Beetles In The Bush | Page 3