Acmaeodera angelica
Fall, 1899
Acmaeodera angelica is a metallic woodboring in the . The was described by Fall in 1899 and occurs in western North America. It belongs to a of flower-visiting buprestids, with frequently found on blossoms of various plants. The species is one of approximately two dozen Buprestidae associated with Cercocarpus (mountain mahogany) in North America, and has been confirmed breeding within dead branches of this genus.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acmaeodera angelica: //ˌækmiˈoʊdərə ænˈdʒɛlɪkə//
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Images
Habitat
Pinyon-juniper woodland and associated transitional zones with Gambel oak; found in areas with Cercocarpus (mountain mahogany) plants. have been collected on flowers of Eriodictyon angustifolium in pinyon-juniper woodland .
Distribution
Western North America; recorded from Utah (Washington County, Leeds Canyon area) and presumably more broadly across the mountainous western United States based on distribution. The has been documented in pinyon-juniper and Gambel oak woodland zones at moderate to higher elevations.
Seasonality
active in late June; observed on flowers during morning to early afternoon hours. Activity period corresponds with bloom of plants including Eriodictyon angustifolium and likely extends through summer months based on related patterns.
Host Associations
- Cercocarpus - breeding Confirmed breeding within dead branches; one of nine confirmed to breed in Cercocarpus with five species associated exclusively with this
- Eriodictyon angustifolium - flower collected on flowers in pinyon-juniper woodland; collected alongside A. bowditchi, A. perlanosa, and A. pubiventris lanata
Behavior
are flower visitors, found on blossoms of plants during daylight hours. Typical of , likely exhibits rapid escape when disturbed. Associated with dead branches of woody host plants for larval development.
Ecological Role
Larval woodborer in dead branches of Cercocarpus; contributes to in woodland . visitation recorded on Eriodictyon angustifolium.
Similar Taxa
- Acmaeodera bowditchi and syntopic; collected together on flowers of Eriodictyon angustifolium and in same
- Acmaeodera perlanosaFound together on same flower (Eriodictyon angustifolium) in pinyon-juniper woodland
- Acmaeodera pubiventris lanataCollected together on flowers of Eriodictyon angustifolium in same locality
More Details
Host specificity
One of 24 North associated with Cercocarpus; among nine confirmed to breed within dead branches of this and five species associated exclusively with Cercocarpus
Collection history
Documented in detailed field observations from Leeds Canyon, Utah in June 2023, where it was found to be one of multiple Acmaeodera utilizing Eriodictyon angustifolium flowers in pinyon-juniper/Gambel oak transition zones