Acmaeodera plagiaticauda

Horn, 1878

Acmaeodera plagiaticauda is a of metallic wood-boring beetle in the Buprestidae, described by George Henry Horn in 1878. It is one of approximately two dozen North American Buprestidae species associated with Cercocarpus (mountain mahogany), a of shrubs and small trees in the rose family. Nine species in this association have been confirmed as breeding within dead branches of Cercocarpus, with five species, including A. plagiaticauda, having been recorded exclusively from this genus. The species is distributed in western North America, particularly in mountainous regions where its host plant occurs.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Acmaeodera plagiaticauda: /ˌæk.miːoʊˈdɛrə ˌpleɪ.dʒi.əˈtɔː.də/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Habitat

Associated with Cercocarpus (mountain mahogany) plants, which occur in dry, rocky slopes and open woodlands in mountainous regions of western North America. The host plants themselves favor well-drained, often calcareous soils in open to semi-open .

Distribution

Western North America; specifically recorded from the mountainous west including the Sierra Nevada and associated ranges. The has been documented in California and surrounding states where Cercocarpus plants occur. GBIF records indicate presence in the Nearctic region with confirmed records from North America.

Diet

Larvae are wood-borers, developing within dead branches of Cercocarpus plants. have been observed feeding on pollen of various flowers, as is typical for the Acmaeodera.

Host Associations

Cercocarpus - primary Confirmed breeding ; one of five Buprestidae associated exclusively with Cercocarpus

Life Cycle

Complete with four stages: , larva, pupa, and . Larvae tunnel through dead wood of branches, feeding on the wood and packing behind them. Development likely requires one or more years depending on environmental conditions. Adults emerge and are active during the growing season.

Behavior

are and have been observed visiting flowers to feed on pollen. Like other Acmaeodera , they are likely strong fliers capable of locating scattered plant . The association with Cercocarpus suggests adults may be found in proximity to these host plants during the active season.

Ecological Role

As a primary wood-borer in dead Cercocarpus branches, contributes to nutrient cycling and decomposition in its plant . The specialized host association with Cercocarpus indicates a potentially important role in the ecological dynamics of these montane shrub communities.

Human Relevance

Of interest to coleopterists and naturalists due to its specialized association. Like other jewel beetles, have attractive metallic coloration. The is not known to be of economic importance.

Similar Taxa

Acmaeodera rubrocupreaAlso associated exclusively with Cercocarpus; both share the specialized relationship and similar western montane distribution
Other Acmaeodera species associated with CercocarpusApproximately two dozen Buprestidae are associated with Cercocarpus; accurate identification requires examination of morphological characters including prosternal structure, elytral , and coloration patterns

More Details

Taxonomic history

Described by George Henry Horn in 1878. The has not been revised since its original description and, like many Acmaeodera species, would benefit from modern taxonomic treatment incorporating both morphological and molecular data.

Host plant specificity

Among the most specialized of Cercocarpus-associated Buprestidae, having been recorded from no other . This level of specialization is relatively uncommon in the and suggests long evolutionary co-association with this host lineage.

Conservation considerations

Dependent upon healthy of Cercocarpus plants. Fire management practices that maintain open suitable for Cercocarpus would indirectly benefit this and other associated Buprestidae . The specialized host relationship makes the species potentially vulnerable to habitat changes affecting its host plant.