Lepismadora algodones
Velten in Velten & Bellamy, 1987
Algodones Sand Jewel Beetle
Lepismadora algodones is a tiny ( ) and the sole member of its . Described in 1987, it represents the most recently discovered new genus of jewel beetle in the United States. The exhibits an extraordinarily restricted distribution, having been found only in a single old canal on the west side of the Algodones Sand Hills in southeastern California. Its closest known relative is the genus Eudiadora, known only from Argentina, indicating a remarkable disjunct biogeographic relationship.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lepismadora algodones: //ˌlɛpɪsˈmɑːdɔːrə ælgəˈdoʊniːz//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other North by its extreme specificity and geographic restriction to the Algodones Dunes. The combination of tiny size, metallic appearance, and occurrence on Tiquilia plicata in the Algodones Sand Hills canal is diagnostic. No other shares this highly localized distribution pattern in North America.
Habitat
Restricted to an old canal on the west side of the Algodones Sand Hills in southeastern California. The canal environment experiences extreme summer temperatures exceeding 110°F, with even higher temperatures in the depressed canal where the occur. are found specifically on flowers and foliage of fanleaf crinklemat (Tiquilia plicata, Boraginaceae).
Distribution
to California, United States. Known only from Imperial County, specifically the Algodones Sand Hills (also known as Algodones Dunes). All specimens have been collected from a single old canal on the west side of the dunes. The series consisted of one male and 159 , all from this single locality.
Seasonality
are active during the hottest hours of the day, approximately 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activity is restricted to summer months when temperatures are extreme.
Host Associations
- Tiquilia plicata - Fanleaf crinklemat (Boraginaceae). found on flowers and foliage. The is widespread across the southwestern U.S. and northwestern Mexico, making the 's restricted distribution inexplicable based on plant availability alone.
Life Cycle
Larval remains unknown. It may be Tiquilia plicata, but could equally be a different plant entirely.
Behavior
are active during the hottest midday hours (ca. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), a notably thermophilic activity pattern. They are found on the flowers and foliage of their during this period.
Similar Taxa
- EudiadoraClosest known relative, based on phylogenetic analysis by Bellamy (1991). The is known only from Argentina, representing a remarkable disjunct distribution between North and South America.
More Details
Discovery and description
The was discovered in 1986 by Mimi and Rob Velten and described the following year (Velten & Bellamy 1987). The discovery was remarkable given that southern California and the Algodones Sand Dunes were considered relatively well-collected at the time.
Conservation implications
The ' extreme micro- to a single canal system makes it potentially vulnerable to modification or disturbance. The specific reasons for its highly restricted distribution remain unexplained, as its Tiquilia plicata is broadly distributed.