Jewel-beetle
Guides
Agrilus abditus
Agrilus abditus is a North American jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) described by George Henry Horn in 1891. The species belongs to the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, which contains thousands of species worldwide. Based on field observations, adults have been collected by sweeping foliage of Quercus arizonica (Arizona white oak) in southeastern Arizona. The species appears to be associated with oak habitats in montane regions of the southwestern United States.
Agrilus addendus
Agrilus addendus is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species was described by Crotch in 1873 and occurs in Central America and North America. Like most members of the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, adults are associated with foliage of their larval host plants rather than flowers. The species has been documented from Texas, where it has been swept from mesquite-acacia fence lines.
Agrilus albocomus
Agrilus albocomus is a species of jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) described by Fisher in 1928. It belongs to the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, which contains nearly 4,000 described species and may be the largest genus in the animal kingdom. Like most Agrilus species, it is presumed to be a twig and branch borer utilizing recently dead wood for larval development. The specific epithet "albocomus" suggests white hair-like structures, possibly referring to setal patterns on the elytra or body.
Agrilus andersoni
Agrilus andersoni is a small jewel beetle described from Mexico in 2008. The species is notable for its specialized association with mistletoe in the genus Phoradendron (family Viscaceae), an unusual host relationship within the enormous genus Agrilus. Adults exhibit purplish-red coloration with complex patterns of golden setae on the elytra, which may function as disruptive coloration against the host foliage. The species is known from Guerrero and Puebla states.
Agrilus angelicus
oak twig girdler, Pacific oak twig girdler
Agrilus angelicus, known as the oak twig girdler or Pacific oak twig girdler, is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species is found in North America. It belongs to the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, which contains nearly 4,000 described species and is perhaps the largest genus in the animal kingdom. Like other members of the genus, it is a twig and branch borer, with larvae developing in recently dead wood.
Agrilus anxius
bronze birch borer
Agrilus anxius, the bronze birch borer, is a wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae native to North America. It is a significant pest of birch trees (Betula spp.), with larvae tunneling through the cambial layer and frequently killing host trees. River birch (Betula nigra) shows the greatest resistance among native North American birches, while European and Asian birch species lack resistance entirely. The species is closely related to the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) and has been the subject of taxonomic confusion, with historical reports conflating birch-feeding and poplar-feeding populations that were later recognized as distinct species.
Agrilus arbuti
Agrilus arbuti is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle (family Buprestidae) described by Fisher in 1928. The species epithet 'arbuti' suggests an association with plants in the genus Arbutus (Ericaceae), though specific host relationships remain undocumented. It is found in North America and belongs to one of the largest genera in the animal kingdom, with most Agrilus species developing as larvae in recently dead wood of woody plants.
Agrilus arcuatus
Agrilus arcuatus is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It was described by Thomas Say in 1825. The species occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. It has been documented at light traps, though it is not known to be attracted to lights in large numbers.
Agrilus atricornis
Agrilus atricornis is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Fisher in 1928. It belongs to the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, which contains nearly 4,000 described species and is considered one of the largest genera in the animal kingdom. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada (Ontario, Québec) and the United States. Like most members of its genus, it is presumed to develop as a larva in woody plant tissue, though specific host plants and detailed biology remain undocumented.
Agrilus audax
Audacious Elm Agrilus
Agrilus audax is a large, striking jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae, distinguished by its black elytra and red pronotum with a densely pubescent median channel. First described from Texas in 1891, it remained exceptionally rare for over a century, with confirmed records from only a handful of specimens across Texas, Arizona, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Ohio. The species is associated with hardwood trees, particularly bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) and slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), and is considered one of the most elusive North American buprestids.
Agrilus aureus
Agrilus aureus is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It belongs to the genus Agrilus, which is among the largest genera in the animal kingdom with nearly 4,000 described species. The species is found in Central America and North America. Like most members of its genus, it is presumed to develop as larvae in woody plant material, though specific host associations for this species have not been documented.
Agrilus aurilaterus
Agrilus aurilaterus is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Waterhouse in 1889. It belongs to the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, which contains nearly 4,000 described species and may represent the largest genus in the animal kingdom. The species is found in Central America and North America, with records from Middle America and North America. Like most Agrilus species, it is likely associated with woody plants as a larval host, though specific host relationships have not been documented.
Agrilus auroguttatus
Goldspotted Oak Borer
Agrilus auroguttatus, the goldspotted oak borer, is a jewel beetle native to southeastern Arizona that became invasive in southern California around 2004. In California, it has caused extensive mortality in oak forests, killing an estimated 80,000 trees, primarily affecting red oaks. The species exhibits significantly higher population densities in its invasive range compared to its native range, where it coexists with a more diverse community of native borers. It was previously treated as a subspecies of Agrilus coxalis but is now recognized as a distinct species.
Agrilus barberi
Agrilus barberi is a species of jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) described by Fisher in 1928. The species belongs to the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, which contains over 3,000 described species worldwide. Based on the taxonomic placement and typical characteristics of the genus, this species likely exhibits the metallic coloration and wood-boring larval habits common to many Agrilus species. However, specific biological details for A. barberi remain poorly documented in available literature.
Agrilus bentseni
Agrilus bentseni is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It was described by Josef Knull in 1954. The species is found in North America. Like other members of the genus Agrilus, it likely develops in woody plants, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Agrilus bespencus
Agrilus bespencus is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It was described by Barr in 2008 from Texas. As a member of the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, it belongs to one of the largest genera in the animal kingdom. The species is known only from its original taxonomic description, with minimal biological or ecological data available.
Agrilus bilineatus
two-lined chestnut borer, twolined chestnut borer
Agrilus bilineatus is a metallic wood-boring beetle native to eastern North America that attacks oak trees (Quercus spp.) and chestnut (Castanea spp.). Unlike most Agrilus species that develop in dead twigs and branches, it is a trunk borer of living trees and represents a significant forest pest. Adults emerge from June through September with peak activity in late June to July. The species has been introduced to Turkey, where it poses an emerging threat to European oak and chestnut species.
Agrilus blandus
Agrilus blandus is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America. The species is notable among North American Agrilus for its routine association with flowers, particularly those of Eriogonum (wild buckwheat), which also serve as its confirmed larval host. This flower-visiting behavior is exceptional in a genus where adults typically do not visit flowers.
Agrilus burkei
Agrilus burkei is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species was described by Fisher in 1917 and occurs in North America. Like other members of the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, it is presumed to develop as a larva in woody plant tissue, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Agrilus carpini
Agrilus carpini is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Josef Knull in 1923. It belongs to the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, which contains nearly 4,000 described species and is considered one of the largest genera in the animal kingdom. The species is known from North America, with records from Canada (Ontario, Québec) and the United States. Like other members of the genus, it likely develops as a larva in woody plant material, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Agrilus catalinae
Agrilus catalinae is a species of metallic woodboring beetle (family Buprestidae) described by Josef N. Knull in 1940. As a member of the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, which contains nearly 4,000 described species, this beetle is part of the largest genus in the animal kingdom. Like most Agrilus species, it is presumed to be a twig or branch borer in woody plants, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The species epithet 'catalinae' likely refers to Santa Catalina Mountains in Arizona, suggesting a southwestern U.S. origin for the type specimen.
Agrilus celti
Agrilus celti is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species was described by Knull in 1920. It is found in North America. The specific epithet 'celti' suggests an association with Celtis (hackberry), a genus of trees commonly used as hosts by related Agrilus species, though direct host records for this species are not documented in the provided sources.
Agrilus cliftoni
Agrilus cliftoni is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Knull in 1941. It is found in North America. A notable observation involves consistent attraction to blacklights in mature white oak forest, with nearly all collected specimens being male.
Agrilus concinnus
hibiscus jewel beetle
Agrilus concinnus is a large, vividly colored jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae. It was formerly considered one of the rarest Agrilus species in North America until researchers determined it to be a later-season species associated with living Hibiscus plants. Adults are active from late July through early August, peaking when host plants are in bloom. The species has been documented in Missouri, Kansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, and Texas.
Agrilus corylicola
Agrilus corylicola is a jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) described by Fisher in 1928. The species is associated with Corylus (hazelnut) host plants, as indicated by its specific epithet. It belongs to the large genus Agrilus, which contains numerous host-specific woodboring beetles. The species has been documented in the eastern United States, with potential occurrence in Missouri suggested by host plant presence, though confirmed records from the state appear limited.
Agrilus crataegi
hawthorn agrilus
Agrilus crataegi is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species was described by Frost in 1912 and is found in North America. The common name "hawthorn agrilus" suggests an association with hawthorn (Crataegus), though specific biological details remain poorly documented. Like other members of the genus Agrilus, it is presumed to have larval development in woody plant tissue.
Agrilus cyanescens
Agrilus cyanescens is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species is native to Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China) and has been introduced to North America, where it is now considered invasive. It has been newly recorded in Connecticut and other eastern states. Two subspecies are recognized: A. c. cyanescens and A. c. johanidesi.
Agrilus delicatulus
Agrilus delicatulus is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species was described by Waterhouse in 1889 and occurs in Central America and North America. As a member of the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, it shares the general biology of twig and branch borers that develop in recently dead wood.
Agrilus difficilis
honeylocust agrilus, honey locust borer
Agrilus difficilis is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, commonly known as the honeylocust agrilus or honey locust borer. It is associated almost exclusively with honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) as its larval host. Unlike most Agrilus species that develop in dead wood, A. difficilis attacks living trees, particularly stressed or ornamental specimens, and has become a significant pest of landscape honey locusts in the eastern United States. The species is relatively large for the genus and readily distinguished by its coppery coloration with purple luster and distinctive lateral white pubescent patches.
Agrilus diospyroides
Agrilus diospyroides is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It was described by Josef N. Knull in 1942. The species is found in North America. Beyond its taxonomic description and general distribution, specific details regarding its biology, host associations, and morphology remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Agrilus dollii
Agrilus dollii is a species of jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) described by Schaeffer in 1904. Like other members of the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, it is a metallic woodboring beetle. The genus contains nearly 4,000 described species and may represent the largest genus in the animal kingdom. Most Agrilus species are twig and branch borers in recently dead wood, with adults typically found on foliage rather than flowers.
Agrilus duncani
Agrilus duncani is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Josef Knull in 1929. It belongs to the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, which contains nearly 4,000 described species and may represent the largest genus in the animal kingdom. The species is recorded from both Central America and North America.
Agrilus egeniformis
Agrilus egeniformis is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Champlain and Knull in 1923. It is found in North America and has been reared from honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) and western soapberry (Sapindus saponaria). The species is one of several jewel beetles associated with honey locust, though unlike the economically significant Agrilus difficilis, it develops in dead wood rather than living trees. Adults are relatively large for the genus and can be distinguished from similar species by specific morphological features.
Agrilus exsapindi
Agrilus exsapindi is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Vogt in 1949. It belongs to the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, which contains nearly 4,000 described species and may represent the largest genus in the animal kingdom. The species is known from North America, though specific details regarding its biology, host associations, and distribution within that range remain poorly documented. Like most members of its genus, it is presumed to be a twig or branch borer utilizing woody plants for larval development.
Agrilus felix
Agrilus felix is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Agrilus, it is presumed to be associated with woody plants, though specific host associations remain undocumented. The species was described by Horn in 1891.
Agrilus ferrisi
Agrilus ferrisi is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Dury in 1908. It is native to North America and belongs to the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, which contains hundreds of species of jewel beetles. The species is associated with Celtis (hackberry) as a larval host, with adults emerging from dead or dying branches. It is one of many Agrilus species that are difficult to distinguish without close examination.
Agrilus fisherellus
Agrilus fisherellus is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Obenberger in 1936. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other members of the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, it is presumed to develop as a larva in woody plant tissue, though specific host associations and biological details remain undocumented.
Agrilus frosti
Agrilus frosti is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Knull in 1920. It is found in North America, with documented occurrences in Canada (Manitoba, Nova Scotia) and the United States. The species is poorly known and rarely collected; in Missouri, only two specimens have been documented—one beaten from post oak at Lichen Glade Natural Area and another captured in a malaise trap in central Missouri.
Agrilus fuscipennis
persimmon agrilus
Agrilus fuscipennis, commonly known as the persimmon agrilus, is a relatively large and striking jewel beetle distinguished by its vivid red pronotum and black elytra. It is among the most seldom encountered members of its genus in Missouri and surrounding regions. Unlike most Agrilus species, which develop in dead wood, A. fuscipennis mines the lower trunks, crown, and main roots of living persimmon trees. The species is rarely collected, with most records consisting of single specimens beaten from host plants.
Agrilus geminatus
Agrilus geminatus is a species of metallic woodboring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America, with records from Canada (Ontario, Québec) and the United States. The species belongs to the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, which contains nearly 4,000 described species and is considered perhaps the largest genus in the animal kingdom. Like most Agrilus species, it is presumed to be a twig and branch borer utilizing recently dead wood for larval development.
Agrilus geronimoi
Agrilus geronimoi is a species of jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) described by Knull in 1950. As a member of the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, it is a twig and branch borer whose larvae develop in recently dead wood. The species is known from North America, specifically recorded from the southwestern United States. Like most Agrilus species, adults are likely found on the foliage of their larval host plants rather than visiting flowers.
Agrilus gillespiensis
Enchanted Rock Agrilus
Agrilus gillespiensis is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Knull in 1947. The species is a west Texas specialty, with records from the Big Bend region and adjacent areas of New Mexico. Adults have been collected from flowers of Echinocereus enneacanthus carnosus (strawberry cactus) and Opuntia camanchica (tulip pricklypear cactus), suggesting a floral association uncommon for the genus. The specific epithet refers to Gillespie County, Texas, though the species has a broader distribution in the region. Like other members of the enormous genus Agrilus, it presumably develops as a larva in dead woody branches, though no confirmed larval host records are documented.
Agrilus granulatus
granulate poplar borer
Agrilus granulatus, commonly known as the granulate poplar borer, is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found across North America and is strongly associated with Populus species as its larval host. The species has been divided into four subspecies, with the nominate form A. g. granulatus restricted to areas east of the Rocky Mountains. Adults are typically collected by beating branches of host plants, particularly those showing recent dieback.
Agrilus granulatus granulatus
Eastern Cottonwood Borer
Agrilus granulatus granulatus is a jewel beetle subspecies restricted to eastern North America east of the Rocky Mountains. Adults are commonly associated with cottonwood (Populus deltoides) and Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica'), where they can be found on branches of host plants. The species is frequently confused with A. quadriguttatus, which breeds on willow rather than poplar. This subspecies represents the nominate form of A. granulatus, with other populations assigned to separate subspecies.
Agrilus granulatus populi
Poplar jewel beetle, Poplar buprestid
Agrilus granulatus populi is a subspecies of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae, associated with cottonwood and poplar trees (Populus spp.) across North America. It is one of several subspecies assigned to A. granulatus, with the nominate form A. g. granulatus restricted to the eastern United States east of the Rocky Mountains. This wood-boring beetle develops in dead or dying branches of its host plants and is commonly collected by beating branches onto a sheet.
Agrilus hazardi
Agrilus hazardi is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America. The species was described by Josef N. Knull in 1966. Like other members of the genus Agrilus, it is presumed to develop as larvae in woody plants, though specific host associations and detailed biology remain undocumented.
Agrilus horni
aspen root girdler
Agrilus horni, commonly known as the aspen root girdler, is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. The species is a specialist pest of aspen (Populus tremuloides), causing damage by girdling the roots and lower stems of suckers. It is morphologically similar to Agrilus anxius (bronze birch borer) and Agrilus liragus (bronze poplar borer) but can be distinguished by its distinctive root-girdling behavior. The species has been documented in North America from Arizona, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Agrilus hyperici
St. John's wort root borer
Agrilus hyperici is a jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) used as a biological control agent against the invasive weed Hypericum perforatum (common St. John's wort). Native to Europe, it was first introduced to the United States in 1950 and is now established in the northwestern United States and Australia. The species is notable for its root-boring larval stage that typically kills host plants.
Agrilus inhabilis
Agrilus inhabilis is a species of jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) in the enormous genus Agrilus, which contains nearly 4,000 described species and may be the largest genus in the animal kingdom. The species was described by Kerremans in 1900 and has a broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents. Like most Agrilus species, it is presumed to develop as a larva in woody plant tissue, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Agrilus inhabilis chalcogaster
Agrilus inhabilis chalcogaster is a subspecies of jewel beetle in the family Buprestidae. Like other members of the hyperdiverse genus Agrilus, it is a metallic woodboring beetle. The subspecies was described by Van Dyke in 1946. Very little specific information is documented about this particular subspecies.