Acmaeodera pubiventris lanata
Horn, 1880
Acmaeodera pubiventris lanata is a of jewel beetle in the Buprestidae, native to the southwestern United States. are flower visitors, particularly associated with Sphaeralcea (globemallow) and Helianthus (sunflower) . The subspecies occurs in pinyon-juniper woodland and associated across Arizona, Utah, and adjacent regions. It is one of several Acmaeodera frequently encountered by collectors in the Colorado Plateau region during summer months.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acmaeodera pubiventris lanata: //ækməˈoʊdɛrə ˌpjubɪˈvɛntrɪs ləˈneɪtə//
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Identification
Acmaeodera pubiventris lanata can be distinguished from similar Acmaeodera by examination of elytral maculation patterns and characteristics. It occurs sympatrically with A. navajo and A. immaculata at some localities; careful comparison of elytral markings and body proportions is required for definitive identification. The designation indicates subtle morphological differences from the nominate A. pubiventris pubiventris, likely involving pubescence and coloration.
Images
Habitat
Pinyon-juniper woodland, sagebrush steppe, and associated semi-arid . are found on flowering plants in open areas within or adjacent to these woodlands. The has been collected at elevations ranging from approximately 1,500 to 2,000 meters in the Colorado Plateau region.
Distribution
Southwestern United States, specifically documented from northern Arizona (Coconino County) and southern Utah (Kane, Washington counties). Records indicate presence near the Arizona-Utah state line and in associated plateau of the Colorado Plateau physiographic province.
Seasonality
have been observed in late June, with peak activity likely occurring during summer months (June-July) when flowers are in bloom. Activity patterns follow flowering of associated plant .
Host Associations
- Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia - flower visitor collected on flowers of gooseberryleaf globemallow; primary flower documented in field observations.
- Helianthus anomalus - flower visitor collected on flowers of this sunflower .
- Helianthus ambigua - flower visitor collected on flowers.
- Eriodictyon angustifolium - flower visitor collected on flowers of this yerba santa in pinyon-juniper woodland.
Behavior
are flower visitors, actively foraging on blooming plants during daylight hours. They have been observed sharing flowers with other Acmaeodera , including A. navajo and A. immaculata, without apparent competitive exclusion. Activity increases as morning temperatures warm, with peak collecting success noted between late morning and early afternoon.
Similar Taxa
- Acmaeodera navajoOccurs sympatrically on same flower (Sphaeralcea, Helianthus); smaller size and distinct elytral maculation pattern separate the two .
- Acmaeodera immaculataShares flower at same localities; differs in elytral coloration and maculation, with A. immaculata typically showing reduced or absent markings compared to A. pubiventris lanata.
- Acmaeodera pubiventris pubiventrisNominate ; A. p. lanata distinguished by subtle differences in and possibly elytral markings, though precise diagnostic characters require examination.
More Details
Field collection notes
In June 2023, this was collected in abundance on Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia flowers at the Arizona-Utah state line (Hwy 89), with dozens of individuals observed over a two-hour period as temperatures warmed and insect activity increased. The subspecies was also documented from Eriodictyon angustifolium flowers in Leeds Canyon, Washington County, Utah, at slightly higher elevations in pinyon-juniper-Gambel oak woodland.