Notes on four increasingly important wood boring jewel beetle pests in China

Author of the article:WANG Xiao-Yi；CAO Liang-Ming；YANG Zhong-Qi

Author's Workplace：The Key Laboratory of Forest Protection of China, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China；The Key Laboratory of Forest Protection of China, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China；The Key Laboratory of Forest Protection of China, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China

Key Words：Sphenoptera canescens Motschulsky; Agrilus unguiculosus Obenberger; Agrilus cyaneoniger Saunders; Agrilus fleischeri Obenberger; morphology; management suggestion

Abstract：[Objectives]  To provide information for the accurate identification of four species of buprestid beetles and improve the effective monitoring and control of these newly emerging pests in China. [Methods]  The morphological and biological characteristics of specimens were analyzed by reviewing the literature and discussion with taxonomists. [Results]  Sphenoptera sp. and Agrilus sp. were identified to species level by comparing them with type specimens. The body color polymorphism of Agrilus cyaneoniger Saunders was described and the morphology of Agrilus fleischeri Obenberger adults was re-described. Furthermore, suggestions for the control of these species are proposed based on their biological characteristics and modes of infestation. [Conclusion]  Two unknown species were identified as Sphenoptera canescens Motschulsky and A. unguiculosus. Bicolored types of A. cyaneoniger are mainly found in northeastern China whereas the unicolored type is usually found in south China. The range of A. fleischeri is continuing to expand. Plant quarantine and forest management measures are required to prevent the dispersal and spread of these pests, and conservation of their natural enemies is important for suppressing their populations. Chemical control is a necessary urgent strategy for managing local outbreaks of these species.