Acmaeodera gillespiensis

Acmaeodera gillespiensis is one of several small Acmaeodera species with banded or spotted elytral patterns. It has been observed in sympatry with A. quadrivittatoides, A. neoneglecta, A. starrae (now regarded as A. robigo), and A. riograndei on cactus flowers. Accurate identification requires examination of elytral maculation patterns and comparison with similar species; the species appears to have relatively uniform vittae rather than irregular spots.

Documented from juniper chaparral and sand dune habitats in western Texas and southeastern New Mexico. Adults have been collected on flowers of Echinocereus enneacanthus carnosus (strawberry cactus) in canyon environments and on Opuntia camanchica (tulip pricklypear cactus) in pinyon-oak-juniper woodland. The species occurs in xeric environments with rocky slopes and sparse vegetation.

Known from west Texas (Val Verde County, specifically Gold Mine Canyon area) and southeastern New Mexico (Eddy County, specifically the wooded draw off X Bar Road). GBIF records indicate presence in the Nearctic region of North America. The species represents a west Texas specialty with limited documented range extension into adjacent New Mexico.

Adults have been observed in late May to early June. Field records indicate activity coinciding with bloom periods of host cacti, particularly Echinocereus enneacanthus and Opuntia species. Peak activity appears to occur when temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C) during midday hours.

• Echinocereus enneacanthus carnosus - flower visitationstrawberry cactus; adults observed and collected on flowers
• Opuntia camanchica - flower visitationtulip pricklypear cactus; adults collected from flowers in New Mexico

Adults have been observed flying to and landing on cactus flowers during midday heat. When disturbed, individuals may drop from flowers and play dead. The species has been collected using aspirators after visual detection on blossoms. Activity appears concentrated during peak bloom periods of host cacti.

• Acmaeodera quadrivittatoidessympatric on cactus flowers; similar size and general appearance; distinguished by elytral pattern
• Acmaeodera neoneglectafrequently collected together on same cactus flowers; requires close examination of maculation
• Acmaeodera robigo (formerly A. starrae)similarly rare and collected on same host plants; historically confused with A. starrae
• Acmaeodera riograndeisympatric west Texas specialty with overlapping habitat and host use

• Buprestidae
• Acmaeodera
• west Texas endemic
• cactus flower visitor
• jewel beetle
• metallic wood-boring beetle
• rare species
• New Mexico record

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Scathophagidae | Beetles In The Bush
• Let’s make a deal! | Beetles In The Bush
• Acanthaceae | Beetles In The Bush