Acmaeodera gillespiensis
This record describes Acmaeodera gillespiensis (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
prominent submarginal ridge (J. Hanson, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2019), or as Knull says, raised third costa series from the same sw TX collecting event: all dets. J. Hansen, 2019 Entomolgists Josef and Dorothy Knull spent many summers collecting insects across the American Southwest. Enchanted Rock is located in Gillespie Co., and is one of the the primary geological features of central Texas
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
NM to c. TX / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map , most records w. to c. TX
Seasonal Activity
May-July (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Oak - Quercus sp. ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Acmaeodera gillespiensis Knull 1941 Type Locality: Gillespie Co., TX
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Acmaeodera gillespiensis. 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 gillespiensis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Acmaeodera gillespiensis
What is Acmaeodera gillespiensis?
Acmaeodera gillespiensis is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Acmaeodera gillespiensis?
9-10 mm
How do you identify Acmaeodera gillespiensis?
prominent submarginal ridge (J. Hanson, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2019), or as Knull says, raised third costa series from the same sw TX collecting event: all dets. J. Hansen, 2019
Where is Acmaeodera gillespiensis found?
Range: NM to c. TX / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map , most records w. to c. TX
What does Acmaeodera gillespiensis eat?
The diet of the Acmaeodera gillespiensis includes Oak - Quercus sp. ( 3 ).
When is Acmaeodera gillespiensis active?
Acmaeodera gillespiensis: seasonal activity - May-July (BG data).