Acmaeodera amabilis
Horn, 1878
Acmaeodera amabilis is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the Buprestidae. The is known from western North America, with documented occurrences in Arizona and New Mexico. It has been observed visiting flowers of various Asteraceae, including Heliomeris longifolia, Heterotheca fulcrata, Hymenothrix wrightii, and Solidago velutina.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acmaeodera amabilis: /ˌæk.miˈoʊ.dɪ.rə əˈmæ.bɪ.lɪs/
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Distribution
Western North America; documented from Arizona (Kitt Peak, Santa Catalina Mountains, Santa Rita Mountains) and New Mexico.
Seasonality
have been observed in September in Arizona and New Mexico.
Host Associations
- Heliomeris longifolia - flower visitation collected on flowers
- Heterotheca fulcrata - flower visitation collected on flowers
- Hymenothrix wrightii - flower visitation collected on flowers
- Solidago velutina - flower visitation collected on flowers
- Gutierrezia microcephala - flower visitation collected on flowers
Behavior
have been observed visiting flowers of yellow composites (Asteraceae), often in association with other Acmaeodera .
Similar Taxa
- Acmaeodera resplendensBoth are metallic green to -colored and occur sympatrically in Arizona; A. resplendens is distinguished by its brilliant metallic green to copper coloration and has been found on similar flowers including Heliomeris longifolia
- Acmaeodera amplicollisFrequently found on the same flowers in Arizona; A. amplicollis is larger with a broader pronotum
- Acmaeodera decipiensOften collected on same flowers; A. decipiens has different elytral markings and body proportions
- Acmaeodera rubronotataFrequently sympatric on Asteraceae flowers; distinguished by reddish markings on the pronotum