Ripiphorus neomexicanus
This record describes Ripiphorus neomexicanus (species). Recorded family: Ripiphoridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pygidium in the female entirely brown-dark brown; T1 only with brown medial spot and the rest are entirely yellow Originally collected Albuquerque, New Mexico (1921). GBIF lists specimens from south Texas (1970), suggesting range may follow Rio Grande. UNM Museum of Southwestern Biology has one female collected at Cuatrocienegas, Coahuila (2012). First New Mexico sighting in nearly 100 years by Elliott Gordon at his home pollinator garden in September 2021 and returned summer 2022, including actively mating pair.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Ripiphoridae (Wedge-shaped Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Ripiphorinae
- Genus
- Ripiphorus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Arid, grassy to shrubby habitat, such as the Sandia foothills of Albuquerque, NM
Geographic Range
central NM to southern NM, west and south TX, northern Mexico
Seasonal Activity
April to September
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Female oviposits in unopened Asteraceae buds, such as Xanthisma spinulosum. Host is suspected to be Dianthidium nevandensis arizonensis and possibly Halictus ligatus.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ripiphorus neomexicanus Rivnay, 1929
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ripiphorus neomexicanus. 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 Ripiphorus neomexicanus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Elliott Gordon; Additional contributions by PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Ripiphorus neomexicanus
What is Ripiphorus neomexicanus?
Ripiphorus neomexicanus is a species in the family Ripiphoridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Ripiphorus neomexicanus?
Pygidium in the female entirely brown-dark brown; T1 only with brown medial spot and the rest are entirely yellow
Where is Ripiphorus neomexicanus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Arid, grassy to shrubby habitat, such as the Sandia foothills of Albuquerque, NM |
| Range | central NM to southern NM, west and south TX, northern Mexico |
When is Ripiphorus neomexicanus active?
Ripiphorus neomexicanus: seasonal activity - April to September.
What is the life cycle of a Ripiphorus neomexicanus?
Female oviposits in unopened Asteraceae buds, such as Xanthisma spinulosum. Host is suspected to be Dianthidium nevandensis arizonensis and possibly Halictus ligatus.