Acmaeodera horni
This record describes Acmaeodera horni (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species has been very rarely collected. It was known only from the type until a specimen was found in the University of Arizona Insect Collection from the Santa Catalina Mountains. Rick Westcott and Chuck Bellamy went to the locality of that specimen and collected 7 more, and wrote a note about he species (Westcott & Bellamy, 2004). The locality where they collected was subsequently burned in a wildfire. As far as I am aware, the species hasn't been collected again until now. Collected by Norm Woodley, on flower of Apache plume ( Fallugia paradoxa , Rosaceae)
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
se. AZ (Westcott & Bellamy, 2004)(BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Acmaeodera horni Fall, 1899
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Acmaeodera horni. 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 horni (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by margarethe brummermann; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Joel DuBois
Frequently Asked Questions About Acmaeodera horni
What is Acmaeodera horni?
Acmaeodera horni is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Acmaeodera horni?
11 mm (Type)
Where is Acmaeodera horni found?
Range: se. AZ (Westcott & Bellamy, 2004)(BG data)