Acmaeodera obtusa
Horn, 1878
Acmaeodera obtusa is a metallic wood-boring in the , first described by Horn in 1878. The is distributed in North America. Field observations from Texas indicate are active flower visitors, particularly associated with Asteraceae in juniper woodland .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acmaeodera obtusa: /æk.miː.oʊˈdɛr.ə ɒbˈtuː.sə/
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Images
Habitat
Juniper woodland; observed in areas with mixed shortgrass prairie and gypsum-capped clay substrates. have been collected from flowers in open, sunny conditions.
Distribution
Nearctic; North America. Specific records from Texas (Hardeman County) in the southwestern United States.
Seasonality
Active in late June; observed on flowers during midday to afternoon hours.
Diet
feed on flower nectar and pollen. Field records document visitation to Melampodium leucanthum (blackfoot daisy), Tetraneuris acaulis (stemless four-nerve daisy), and Gaillardia pulchella.
Host Associations
- Melampodium leucanthum - FLORAL_HOST collected from flowers in Texas; primary documented during field observations.
- Tetraneuris acaulis - FLORAL_HOST collected from flowers in Texas.
- Gaillardia pulchella - FLORAL_HOST collected from flowers in Texas.
Behavior
are flower visitors. Multiple individuals may occur on the same flowering . Activity appears concentrated during warm, sunny midday conditions.
Similar Taxa
- Acmaeodera mixta/immaculata complexSimilar size and flower-visiting ; distinguished by elytral maculation patterns and geographic distribution.
- Acmaeodera ligulataOverlaps in and flower ; A. ligulata typically exhibits more extensive pale elytral markings.