short-lived, fast-moving adults

are not often seen. The usual

sign of their presence is the

D-shaped exit holes the adults

leave in the bark of living trees when

they emerge in the spring and summer, and

heavy infestations may kill the tree. Like many

species-rich, plant-feeding beetles, Agrilus

are host-specific, using only a single genus or

species of plant. Some species attack woody shrubs

instead of trees.

notes

Some Agrilinae are extending their

geographical range as a result of climate

change or human movement of timber. The

Emerald Ash Borer Agrilus planipennis from

China suddenly became a serious pest of

ornamental ash trees in North America,

and has also reached Moscow, Russia.

The list of Agrilus species found outdoors

in Britain has doubled from 5 to 10 species

in a few decades

above | Habroloma lepidopterum

A leaf miner from Singapore, the related

H. myrmecophila mines in leaves used to

build weaver ant nests.

opposite | Agrilus australasiae This

Acacia Flat-Headed Jewel Beetle from

Australia is a typical member of the

huge genus Agrilus.

right | Agrilus ruficollis This Red

Necked Cane Borer makes swellings

in the stalks of blackberry and related

plants in North America.