Agrilus
ExploreInsects
Agrilus
agrilus
The Agrilus is a shiny beetle that loves to munch on trees! These little creatures are often spotted on the bark of their favorite plants.
Habitat: Agrilus beetles are commonly found in forests and woodlands where their host trees grow.
Appearance
The Agrilus is a slender, metallic-colored beetle, often displaying iridescent greens, blues, or coppers. Its elongated, torpedo-shaped body tapers to a pointed rear, distinguishing it from broader-bodied beetles. They possess short antennae and large eyes.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyBuprestidaeGenusAgrilus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Female Agrilus can lay hundreds of tiny eggs in tree bark crevices!
Some Agrilus larvae can live for several years hidden inside trees!
There are over 3,000 different kinds of Agrilus beetles found worldwide!
These beetles have powerful chewing mouthparts to munch on wood and leaves!
Special abilities
Ability
Woody Wizardry
Agrilus larvae can tunnel deep into tree wood because of strong mandibles, which helps them find food and stay hidden.
Ability
Shiny Disguise
Agrilus has a brilliant metallic exoskeleton that helps them blend perfectly with tree bark or leaves, avoiding predators.
Ability
Play Dead Ploy
Agrilus can suddenly freeze and drop to the ground, appearing lifeless, which helps them trick birds and other predators.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 6-30 mm
- Size
- 3-15 mm
- Lifespan
- 14-56 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Larvae munch on wood, while adult Agrilus beetles nibble on tree leaves.
Age differences: Larvae bore into tree wood and feed on inner tissues; adults feed on leaves and sometimes pollen.
Primary Foods
- cambium
- phloem
- xylem
- tree leaves
- pollen
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Ash tree
Fraxinus americana
Larvae bore into and damage ash trees.
eaten by
White Oak
Quercus alba
Larvae of some species feed on oak tissues.
hunts
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos major
Woodpeckers hunt Agrilus larvae under tree bark.
eats
Red Wood Ant
Formica rufa
Ants may prey on adult Agrilus beetles.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Metallic Beetle
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Agrilus's wingspan?
6-30 mm
How big is Agrilus?
3-15 mm
How long does Agrilus live?
14-56 days
What does Agrilus eat?
Larvae munch on wood, while adult Agrilus beetles nibble on tree leaves.
Where is Agrilus usually found?
Agrilus beetles are commonly found in forests and woodlands where their host trees grow.
How does Agrilus hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Agrilus have?
6
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