Lepismadora

Velten, 1987

Algodones sand jewel beetle (for sole species L. algodones)

Species Guides

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Lepismadora is a of jewel beetles (Buprestidae) containing only Lepismadora algodones, described in 1987. The genus represents the most recently discovered new genus of jewel beetle in the United States and shows a distant relationship to other North American buprestids. Its closest known relative is the South American genus Eudiadora. The sole is highly to a single in the Algodones Dunes of southeastern California.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lepismadora: //ˌlɛpɪsˈmædɔrə//

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Identification

The is most similar to Eudiadora, a genus known only from Argentina. -level identification of L. algodones is based on its small size (under 7 mm), elongated oval shape, dense covering of scaly hairs especially on the underside, large , and hairy and legs. Coloration is variable: smaller males are coppery, larger males are brassy green, and females are generally brassy with green tinge. Color changes as the hair coat wears off. Females are slightly larger and thicker than males.

Habitat

Restricted to the Algodones Sand Hills in Imperial County, California. All specimens have been collected from a single old canal on the west side of the dunes. are found on fanleaf crinklemat (Tiquilia plicata), a prostrate desert plant. The experiences extreme heat, with summer temperatures routinely exceeding 110°F and even higher temperatures in the depressed canal where beetles occur.

Distribution

to California, United States. Known only from the Algodones Dunes in Imperial County. The entire type series and all subsequent collections come from a single locality within this dune system.

Seasonality

are active during the hottest hours of the day, approximately 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Specific months of activity are not documented in available sources.

Diet

feed on fanleaf crinklemat (Tiquilia plicata). The larval plant remains unknown.

Host Associations

  • Tiquilia plicata - plantfanleaf crinklemat; found on flowers and foliage

Life Cycle

Larval development details are unknown, including plant and substrate. and activity patterns are documented but seasonal timing is unspecified.

Behavior

are active exclusively during peak heat hours of the day, a remarkable behavioral to extreme desert conditions. They are found on the plant Tiquilia plicata during these periods.

Human Relevance

The was discovered in 1986 by Mimi and Rob Velten and described in 1987, making it the most recently described new of jewel beetle in the United States. Its extreme and restricted distribution have made it a notable example of localized in North American beetles.

Similar Taxa

  • EudiadoraClosest known relative; is known only from Argentina, indicating a disjunct distribution

Sources and further reading