Acmaeodera mixta
This record describes Acmaeodera mixta (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A common and extremely variable southwestern US species ‒Ted C. MacRae
Wikipedia reference for Acmaeodera mixta: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acmaeodera_mixta.
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
MO‒AR‒TX to UT‒AZ & Mexico - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae in Acacia, Celtis, Prosopis
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Acmaeodera mixta LeConte 1860
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Acmaeodera mixta. 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 mixta (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua P. Basham; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Arturo Santos
Frequently Asked Questions About Acmaeodera mixta
What is Acmaeodera mixta?
Acmaeodera mixta is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Acmaeodera mixta?
A common and extremely variable southwestern US species ‒Ted C. MacRae
Where is Acmaeodera mixta found?
Range: MO‒AR‒TX to UT‒AZ & Mexico - Map
What does Acmaeodera mixta eat?
The diet of the Acmaeodera mixta includes Larvae in Acacia, Celtis, Prosopis.