Acmaeodera parkeri

Cazier, 1940

Acmaeodera parkeri is a of metallic wood-boring beetle in the Buprestidae, described by Cazier in 1940. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. have been observed visiting flowers of several plant species, including Allionia incarnata (creeping four o'clock), Talinum whitei (White's flameflower), and Evolvulus arizonicus (Arizona blue-).

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Acmaeodera parkeri: /ˌæk.miː.oʊˈdɛr.ə ˈpɑːr.kə.riː/

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Distribution

Central America and North America; specifically recorded from Arizona and adjacent regions in the southwestern United States, and Mexico.

Seasonality

have been collected in July and September, suggesting summer to early fall activity.

Host Associations

  • Allionia incarnata - flower visitation observed on flowers
  • Talinum whitei - flower visitation collected on flowers
  • Evolvulus arizonicus - flower visitation observed on flowers

Behavior

are and have been observed flying to and perching on small flowers. When flowers are abundant, beetles may be difficult to detect until vegetation is carefully examined or swept.

Similar Taxa

  • Acmaeodera cazieriSympatric and found on same flower (Allionia incarnata); A. parkeri may be distinguished by specific elytral markings and coloration patterns, though precise diagnostic features require examination of type material
  • Acmaeodera yuccavoraAlso found on Allionia incarnata flowers; similar size and general appearance, but differs in elytral pattern and coloration

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Sources and further reading