Agrilus biguttatus (Fabricius, 1776)

two-spotted oak buprestid, oak jewel beetle

on Quercus, etc.

gall

long, zigzagging gallery under the bark, mostly in horizontal directions. This interrupts the sap stream and may kill the tree. According to Buhr sometimes strong callus formation occurs, resembling galling.

hostplants

Fagaceae, oligophagous

Castanea sativa; Fagus sylvatica; Quercus cerris, faginea, frainetto, macrocarpa, petraea, pubescens, pyrenaica, robur.

notes

during the last decennia the species has strongly increased in abundance, and plays a significant role in oak dieback. Its presence can be ascertained by the characteristic exit holes in the bark, having the shape of a capital “D”.

references

Buhr (1965a), Evangelista & Cristiano (2013a), Fiala (2017a). Moraal (1997a), Moraal & Hilszczanski (2000a), Panin, Săvulecu & Ruicănescu (2015a), Verdugo Páez (2002a).