brevipennis

Brevipennis is a subgenus of the genus Agrilus, which is a group of beetles commonly known as jewel beetles or metallic wood-boring beetles. The name Brevipennis is derived from Latin words "brevi," meaning short, and "pennis," meaning wing, referring to the distinctive shortened wing shape of the beetles in this subgenus.

Members of the Brevipennis subgenus are typically small, ranging in length from 3 to 8 millimeters. They have a shiny, metallic appearance, often with a blue or green coloration, although some species may have copper, bronze, or other colors. Brevipennis beetles are generally found in tropical and subtropical regions, although some species have been introduced to other parts of the world.

Brevipennis beetles are considered a type of pesticide, as they are known to prey on certain species of tiny ants and aphids. Despite their small size, they are often considered important biological control agents. Some species of Brevipennis have also been used in research on the biological control of invasive ant species.

Undertreatment of infested trees with Brevipennis can lead to severe injury and mortality of the trees. Research has been conducted to understand the interaction between Brevipennis and its larval hosts, as well as to develop more effective methods for controlling the introduction of non-native species.