Acmaeodera neoneglecta

Acmaeodera neoneglecta can be distinguished from congeners by its small size, black coloration with yellow elytral maculations, and straight prosternal margin. It is most similar to other members of the tubulus-species group including A. neglecta, A. tubulus, A. starrae, and A. riograndei. Accurate identification often requires comparison with determined specimens or use of specialized keys, as the species group lacks comprehensive modern revision. Distinguished from A. neglecta by subtle differences in maculation pattern and body proportions; from A. tubulus (widespread eastern species) by geographic range and slight morphological differences.

Small beetle, less than 8 mm in length. Black with yellow maculations on the elytra. Belongs to the 'Truncatae' group with prosternal margin nearly straight and not retracted from the sides. Lacks a subapical crest on the last ventral segment. Similar in general appearance to other members of the tubulus-species group, with confused yellow markings on the elytra rather than distinct vittae or spots.

Arid and semi-arid environments of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Associated with dry scrubland, desert grassland, and oak-juniper woodland communities. Adults frequently encountered on flowers in open, sunny areas.

Southwestern United States (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona) and northern Mexico. Records from Val Verde County, Texas; various locations in New Mexico; and Arizona. Part of the Nearctic and Neotropical faunal regions.

Adults active primarily in late spring and early summer. Field records indicate activity from mid-May through June, with peak activity likely varying by locality and influenced by rainfall patterns and flowering of host plants.

Adults are diurnal and frequently observed visiting flowers, where they likely feed on pollen and nectar. Documented flower visitation includes Echinocereus enneacanthus (strawberry cactus), Thelosperma simplicifolium (slender greenthread), Thelosperma filifolium (stiff greenthread), Pinaropappus roseus (white rock-lettuce), Tiquilia canescens (shrubby tiquilia), Sida abutifolia (spreading sida), and Stenaria nigricans (diamond-flowers). Adults have been collected using beating sheets, sweep nets, and white bowl traps. Larval biology unknown, but likely develops in dead or dying woody plant material like other Acmaeodera species.

• Acmaeodera neglectaSimilar small size, black coloration with yellow maculations, and overlapping geographic range in southwestern U.S. Distinguished by subtle differences in elytral maculation pattern and body proportions.
• Acmaeodera tubulusNamesake of the tubulus-species group; similar general appearance but widespread in eastern U.S. and readily distinguished by geographic separation and slight morphological differences.
• Acmaeodera starraeAnother member of the tubulus-species group with similar size and coloration; often found sympatrically and on same flower species. Distinguished by differences in maculation and body shape.
• Acmaeodera riograndeiRare member of the tubulus-species group with similar appearance; found in same region and habitats. Distinguished by elytral maculation pattern and body proportions.
• Acmaeodera mixtaFrequently found on same flowers; slightly larger with more distinct elytral vittae rather than confused maculations.

• metallic wood-boring beetle
• jewel beetle
• tubulus-species group
• southwestern US endemic
• flower visitor
• cactus associate

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Acmaeodera carlota in northern Arizona | Beetles In The Bush
• 2022 Six-State Insect Collecting Trip iReport | Beetles In The Bush