Acmaeodera acuta
This record describes Acmaeodera acuta (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Acmaeodera acuta is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in the western United States and Mexico. Its larval host is likely Salix and adults hosts include Achillea, Encelia, Rosa, Salix, and Sphaeralcea. The species is fairly restricted to riparian habitats.
Wikipedia reference for Acmaeodera acuta: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acmaeodera_acuta.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Buprestoidea
- Family
- Buprestidae (Metallic Wood-boring Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Polycestinae
- Tribe
- Acmaeoderini
- Genus
- Acmaeodera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. US (OR-CA to ID-NV)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: adults on Achillea, Encelia actoni, Rosa, Salix, Sphaeralcea
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Acmaeodera acuta LeConte 1860
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Acmaeodera acuta. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Acmaeodera acuta (2)
Photo credits: (c) BJ Stacey, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by BJ Stacey | (c) Leslie Goethals, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Leslie Goethals | Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Joshua P. Basham
Frequently Asked Questions About Acmaeodera acuta
What is Acmaeodera acuta?
Acmaeodera acuta is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Acmaeodera acuta found?
Range: w. US (OR-CA to ID-NV)
What does Acmaeodera acuta eat?
The diet of the Acmaeodera acuta includes Hosts: adults on Achillea, Encelia actoni, Rosa, Salix, Sphaeralcea.