Acmaeodera opuntiae
This record describes Acmaeodera opuntiae (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A. opuntiae has distinctly flattened setae. Also, the form is not as broad as is typical for A. neglecta . (T.C. MacRae, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2019) Type Locality: 5 mi W. Sullivan City, Starr Co., TX ( 3 )
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
c. to s. TX - Map , while mostly known from Starr Co., G.H. Nelson determined spmns in the TAMUIC from Crane, Kerr, and Callahan counties (Karen Wright, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2019)
Seasonal Activity
Mar-May
Diet and Behavior
Life History
larvae host in dead stalks of coyotillo ( Karwinskia humboldtiana , Rhamnaceae) and Texas paloverde ( Parkinsonia texana , Fabaceae) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Acmaeodera opuntiae Knull 1966
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Acmaeodera opuntiae. 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 opuntiae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Acmaeodera opuntiae
What is Acmaeodera opuntiae?
Acmaeodera opuntiae is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Acmaeodera opuntiae?
3.4-5.7 mm
How do you identify Acmaeodera opuntiae?
A. opuntiae has distinctly flattened setae. Also, the form is not as broad as is typical for A. neglecta . (T.C. MacRae, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2019)
Where is Acmaeodera opuntiae found?
Range: c. to s. TX - Map , while mostly known from Starr Co., G.H. Nelson determined spmns in the TAMUIC from Crane, Kerr, and Callahan counties (Karen Wright, pers. comm. to MAQ, 2019)
When is Acmaeodera opuntiae active?
Acmaeodera opuntiae: seasonal activity - Mar-May.
What is the life cycle of a Acmaeodera opuntiae?
larvae host in dead stalks of coyotillo ( Karwinskia humboldtiana , Rhamnaceae) and Texas paloverde ( Parkinsonia texana , Fabaceae) ( 3 )