Agrilus sinensis Thomson, 1879

Jendek, Eduard & Nakládal, Oto, 2019, Taxonomic, distributional and biological study of the genus Agrilus (Coleoptera: Buprestidae). Part II, Zootaxa 4554 (2), pp. 401-459 : 443-444

Agrilus sinensis Thomson, 1879

Figs 12 A–12B, 13B

= splendidicollis Fairmaire, 1889 syn. nov.

Taxonomy. Agrilus splendidicollis was described as a species and thereafter considered as a synonym or subspecies of A. sinensis . For references see Jendek & Grebennikov (2011). The subspecies concept of splendidicollis remained until now and was supported by the difference in color of elytra. The nominal subspecies from Northeastern China and Japan (Honshu) was recognized by the black elytra with silky tinge, the subspecies splendidicollis from Southeastern China, Laos, Vietnam and India (West Bengal) by elytra with obvious greenish or bluish tinge. Examination of extensive material revealed that the series of specimens from the same locality from Yunnan, Sichuan, Vietnam or Laos have the color of elytra of both forms which makes the subspecific concept unsustainable.

Agrilus sinensis is very variable in size and in the color of pronotum and elytra. The pronotum is golden, golden-orange to carmineous or concolor with the elytra. Elytra gradually varies from black with silky tinge to all hues of blue or green.

Examined specimens. CHINA. Yunnan. Xishuanbanna, 37 km NW Jinghong, vic. Guo Men Shan ; 22°17'54"N, 100°38'51"E; 5-2008; alt. 1000–1200 m; 1 ♂ (EJCB). LAOS. Bolikhamxai. Ban Nape ; 18°20'N, 105°08'E; 4-2016; 10 ( EJCB) . Houaphan. Ban Saleuy, Phou Pan-Gnai ; 20°12'N–20°13'30"N, 103°59'30"E– 104°01'E; 4, 5-2008; alt. 1340–1870 m; 1 ♂ ( EJCB) ; 6-2011; alt. 1340–1870 m; 6 ( EJCB) . Louang Namtha. ca 25km SE Muang Sing ; 21°07'12"N, 101°14'07"E; 6-1996; alt. 900 m; 5 ( NMW) . VIETNAM. Cao Bang. 12km NE Cao Bang ; 22°45'45"N, 106°19'E; 5-2010; alt. 600–700 m; 3 ( EJCB) . Ha Noi. Hanoi; 21°02'N, 105°51'E; 5- 1996; 6 ( MKCY) . Ninh Binh. Cuc Phuong Nat. Park ; 20°21'10"N, 105°35'00"E; 4-2012; alt. 440 m; Adult host: Clerodendrum chinense ; 5 ( EJCB) . Tuyen Quang. SE-E env. of Na Hang ; 22°18'30"N, 105°27'E; 5-2010; alt. 200–700 m; 2 ♀ ( EJCB) .

Host plant cited. Adult: Clerodendrum chinense (Lamiaceae) . The plant is likely also the larval host because the species was repeatedly observed flying and resting on its leaves for several days ( Figs 12 A–12B). C. chinense is an invasive plant from China and Vietnam that became established in numerous tropical and subtropical areas throughout North America (Florida, Hawaii and Mexico), Central America, South America, West Indies, and the Pacific Islands (CABI, 2018).

Distribution ( Fig. 13B ). CHINA: Beijing, Fujian, Guizhou, Hainan, Heilongjiang, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shanghai, Sichuan, Yunnan; INDIA: West Bengal; JAPAN: Honshu; LAOS: Bolikhamxai, Houaphan, Louang Namtha, Louangphabang, Phôngsali, Xaignabouli, Xiangkhoang; THAILAND: Nan; VIETNAM: Bac Can, Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Ha Nam, Ha Noi, Hoa Binh, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Ninh Binh, Quang Tri, Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, Vinh Phuc.

Remarks. Distributional data cited without supporting records by Hua Li Zhong (2002: 90) from Xizang and by Cobos (1972: 56) from Mongolia were omitted. The historical record of Bodemyeer (1915) from Heilongjiang ( China) needs verification due to possible misidentification with A. cyaneoniger .

Figures

FIGURES 12A–12B. Agrilus sinensis Thomson, 1879) on Clerodendrum chinense in Cuc Phuong Nat. Park (Vietnam). 12A, host plant; 12B, adult resting on the leaf.

FIGURES 13A–13B. Distribution of Agrilus. Dots indicate examined specimens, hatching indicates compiled range. 13A, A. cyaneoniger Saunders, 1873; 13B, A. sinensis Thomson, 1879.