Acmaeodera bashami
This record describes Acmaeodera bashami (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The easiest character that separates A. bashami from A. quadrivittatoides is the third lateral elytral stria. In A. quadrivittatoides it splits near the umbone after 0-3 punctures and in A. bashami is splits much closer to the middle of the elytra. The lateral vittae of A. bashami also run along the costal edge of the elytra and do not extend past the first interspace. By contrast the vittae are higher up in A. quadrivittatoides . There are genitalic differences in both the male and female as well. Adults commonly found on yellow Opuntia sp. flowers. Can also be found on flowers of Echinocereus enneacanthus and come to white, blue, magenta and yellow bottle traps.
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
Habitat
Chihuahuan desert
Geographic Range
West Texas and northern Mexico
Seasonal Activity
April - June
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval host unknown. Adults feed on pollen and petals of cacti.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Patronym, after Joshua P. Basham
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Acmaeodera bashami. 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 bashami (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Hansen
Frequently Asked Questions About Acmaeodera bashami
What is Acmaeodera bashami?
Acmaeodera bashami is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Acmaeodera bashami?
3.65-6.01 mm
How do you identify Acmaeodera bashami?
The easiest character that separates A. bashami from A. quadrivittatoides is the third lateral elytral stria. In A. quadrivittatoides it splits near the umbone after 0-3 punctures and in A. bashami is splits much closer to the middle of the elytra. The lateral vittae of A. bashami also run along the costal edge of the elytra and do not extend past the first interspace. By contrast the vittae are higher up in A. quadrivittatoides . There are genitalic differences in both the male and female as well.
Where is Acmaeodera bashami found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Chihuahuan desert |
| Range | West Texas and northern Mexico |
What does Acmaeodera bashami eat?
The diet of the Acmaeodera bashami includes Larval host unknown. Adults feed on pollen and petals of cacti..
When is Acmaeodera bashami active?
Acmaeodera bashami: seasonal activity - April - June.