Agrilus hyperici
Encyclopedia
Agrilus hyperici is a species of jewel beetle known by the common name St. John's wort root borer. It is used as an agent of biological pest control
against the noxious weed known as common St. John's wort
(Hypericum perforatum).
The adult beetle is narrow and elongated, reddish-brown in color and about 5 millimeters in length. The female deposits eggs low on the stem of the St. John's wort plant during the summer months. The larva
emerges from the egg and makes its way to the roots where it feeds on root tissue for nearly a year. Often the larvae consume nearly all the roots on a plant and then pupa
te inside the remnants. Few plants survive attack by this species. The beetle is known to attack the similar plant goldwire
(Hypericum concinnum) in California
, but it does not appear to have a destructive impact on this species.
This beetle is native to Europe. Its association with the St. John's wort plant has been known for a long time and it was first introduced to the United States for the purposes of biocontrol in 1950, in California. It is now established in much of the northwestern United States, especially in mountainous areas, and in Australia.
Biological pest control
Biological control of pests in agriculture is a method of controlling pests that relies on predation, parasitism, herbivory, or other natural mechanisms...
against the noxious weed known as common St. John's wort
St John's wort
St John's wort is the plant species Hypericum perforatum, and is also known as Tipton's Weed, Chase-devil, or Klamath weed....
(Hypericum perforatum).
The adult beetle is narrow and elongated, reddish-brown in color and about 5 millimeters in length. The female deposits eggs low on the stem of the St. John's wort plant during the summer months. The larva
Larva
A larva is a distinct juvenile form many animals undergo before metamorphosis into adults. Animals with indirect development such as insects, amphibians, or cnidarians typically have a larval phase of their life cycle...
emerges from the egg and makes its way to the roots where it feeds on root tissue for nearly a year. Often the larvae consume nearly all the roots on a plant and then pupa
Pupa
A pupa is the life stage of some insects undergoing transformation. The pupal stage is found only in holometabolous insects, those that undergo a complete metamorphosis, going through four life stages; embryo, larva, pupa and imago...
te inside the remnants. Few plants survive attack by this species. The beetle is known to attack the similar plant goldwire
Hypericum concinnum
Hypericum concinnum is a species of wildflower known by the common name gold-wire or goldwire. It is quite similar in appearance to St. John's wort, which is in the same genus. It is a short perennial plant bearing bunches of bright yellow flowers on its stems. The flower has long petals which fold...
(Hypericum concinnum) in California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, but it does not appear to have a destructive impact on this species.
This beetle is native to Europe. Its association with the St. John's wort plant has been known for a long time and it was first introduced to the United States for the purposes of biocontrol in 1950, in California. It is now established in much of the northwestern United States, especially in mountainous areas, and in Australia.