Acmaeodera scalaris
This record describes Acmaeodera scalaris (species). Recorded family: Buprestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Typical form: variants:
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
AZ to c. TX / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Aug-Nov (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
larval hosts unk., adults on flowers
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Acmaeodera scalaris Mannerheim 1837 scalaris = 'ladder-patterned'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Acmaeodera scalaris. 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 scalaris (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua Stuart Rose; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Acmaeodera scalaris
How big is Acmaeodera scalaris?
8-9 mm
How do you identify Acmaeodera scalaris?
Typical form: variants:
Where is Acmaeodera scalaris found?
Range: AZ to c. TX / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map
When is Acmaeodera scalaris active?
Acmaeodera scalaris: seasonal activity - Aug-Nov (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Acmaeodera scalaris?
larval hosts unk., adults on flowers