Acmaeodera princeps
This record describes Acmaeodera princeps (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type locality of Acmaeodera princeps Kerremans 1908 is Nouv Zelande (New Zealand) - likely lapsus memoriae TL of Acmaeodera flavinigrapunctata Knull 1928 is Raymondville, Willacy Co., 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
w. & s. TX - Map , uncommon
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae in Parkinsonia aculeata (Jerusalem thorn; map ), P. texana (Texas paloverde; map )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Acmaeodera princeps Kerremans 1908 princeps = 'prince'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Acmaeodera princeps. 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 princeps (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Acmaeodera princeps
What is Acmaeodera princeps?
Acmaeodera princeps is a species in the family Buprestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Acmaeodera princeps found?
Range: w. & s. TX - Map , uncommon
What does Acmaeodera princeps eat?
The diet of the Acmaeodera princeps includes Larvae in Parkinsonia aculeata (Jerusalem thorn; map ), P. texana (Texas paloverde; map ).