Acmaeodera chiricahuae
Barr, 1972
Acmaeodera chiricahuae is a of metallic wood-boring beetle in the Buprestidae, described by Barr in 1972. It is known from the Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona and adjacent regions of southwestern North America. are associated with oak woodlands, particularly Quercus arizonica (Arizona white oak), where they have been collected by beating fresh foliage. The species is one of many oak-associated Agrilus and related buprestids that emerge prior to the summer monsoon season in the Sky Islands region.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acmaeodera chiricahuae: //ækˌmiːoʊˈdɛrə ˌtʃɪrɪˈkɑːweɪ//
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Identification
Acmaeodera chiricahuae can be distinguished from similar Acmaeodera by its association with oak foliage in the Chiricahua Mountains region. are metallic and likely exhibit the typical Acmaeodera body form with elytral maculations, though specific diagnostic features are not well documented in available sources. It is most reliably identified by geographic provenance and association combined with examination of genitalic structures.
Habitat
Oak-juniper woodlands and montane oak forests in the Sky Islands region of southeastern Arizona. Specifically associated with Quercus arizonica (Arizona white oak) and potentially other oak in mixed conifer-oak woodlands at moderate elevations.
Distribution
Known from the Chiricahua Mountains of Cochise County, Arizona, with the type locality in the Chiricahua Mountains. Records indicate presence in the Nearctic region of southwestern North America, specifically the Madrean Sky Islands of Arizona.
Seasonality
have been collected in late May through early June, prior to the onset of the summer monsoon season. This early-season is typical of many oak-associated buprestids in the region.
Host Associations
- Quercus arizonica - feeding site beaten from fresh foliage
Behavior
are and have been observed on fresh oak foliage. Like other Acmaeodera, they are likely strong fliers and may be attracted to ethanol-baited traps, though this has not been specifically documented for this .
Similar Taxa
- Acmaeodera quadrivittatoidesOccurs sympatrically in the Chiricahua Mountains and shares similar ; distinguished by different elytral pattern and association with flowers of Fallugia paradoxa rather than oak foliage
- Agrilus chiricahuaeAnother buprestid named for the Chiricahua Mountains with which it shares type locality; distinguished by -level characters and larval wood-boring habit in oak versus foliar association
More Details
Type locality
The is named for and described from the Chiricahua Mountains, a prominent Sky Island range in southeastern Arizona known for high biodiversity and .
Collecting method
Based on field observations of related , beating fresh oak foliage with a sheet or using a long-handled aerial net to sweep upper branches is the recommended collecting technique.