Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
The classification of the genus
Agra is unstable, as it has been treated as a separate tribe or even as a separate subfamily.
(1)Identification
Agra is easy to recognize and is arguably the most distinctive carabid genus found in Texas.
(1) Range
The known range in Texas is Cameron, Hidalgo, and Starr counties.
(2)Season
Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month:
April (2), May (1), June (6), July (5), August (2), September (2), October (9).
(1)Food
Arndt et al. (2001) studied the adult foraging behavior of several species in a Venezuelan forest canopy and in the laboratory. All specimens observed foraging in the canopy took liquid or masticated flower parts (nectar, pollen, and sometimes diverse components of the whole flower), or from extra-floral nectaries, or liquid from new leaf shoots. (Riley & King, 2009)
Based on study of larval morphology, Arndt et al. (2001) hypothesized that Agra larvae are predators living under bark.
(1)Life Cycle
Little is know about the way of life of the species of Agra, except that adults are arboreal, many living in the high canopy of tropical evergreen forests; some individuals are attracted to light sources. (Ball & Bousquet 2001)
Print References
Arndt, E., S. Kirmse, and T. L. Erwin. 2001. Arboreal beetles of Neotropical forests:
Agra Fabricius, larval descriptions with notes on natural history and behaviour (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Lebiini, Agrina). The Coleopterists Bulletin 55(3): 297-311. (
JSTOR)
Ball, G.E. & Y. Bousquet. 2001. Carabidae Latreille, 1810, Pp. 32-132,
In: Arnett, R.H. and M.C. Thomas (editors). American Beetles, Volume I: Archostemata, Myxophaga, Adephaga, Polyphaga: Staphyliniformia. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton, FL. xvi + 443 pp.
(3)
Bousquet, Y. and A. Larochelle. 1993. Catalogue of the Geadephaga (Coleoptera: Trachypachidae, Rhysodidae, Carabidae including Cicindelini) of America north of Mexico. Memoirs of the Entomological Society of Canada No. 167: 1-397 pp.
Riley, E.G. & J.E. King. 2009. Element record datasheets submitted to Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Wildlife Division, Austin.
(1)
Schwarz, E.A. 1896. Semi-tropical Texas. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington, 4: 1-3.
(4)
Townsend, C.H.T. 1902. Contribution to a knowledge of the coleopterous fauna of the lower Rio Grande valley in Texas and Tamaulipas, the biological notes and special reference to geological distribution. Transactions of the Texas Academy of Science 5: 49-101.
Full Text
Wickham, H.F. 1898. Recollections of old collecting grounds. II. - The lower Rio Grande Valley. Entomological News 9: 22-24.
(5)
