Acmaeodera resplendens
Van Dyke, 1937
Resplendent Buprestid
Acmaeodera resplendens is a of metallic wood-boring beetle in the Buprestidae, described by Van Dyke in 1937. The species is distinguished by its brilliant metallic green to coloration. It has been collected from flowers of several composite species in montane of southern Arizona, particularly from Heliomeris longifolia and Bahia dissecta. The specific epithet 'resplendens' refers to its striking, resplendent appearance.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acmaeodera resplendens: /ækˈmiːədərə rɪˈsplɛndɛnz/
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Identification
Acmaeodera resplendens can be distinguished from other Acmaeodera by its brilliant metallic green to coloration. It is notably larger and more vividly metallic than many . When comparing to similar species in the , A. resplendens lacks the distinct elytral maculations seen in A. rubronotata and A. decipiens. The combination of large size, uniform metallic green-copper coloration, and montane in southern Arizona helps separate it from other Acmaeodera species.
Images
Habitat
Montane in southern Arizona, particularly in the Santa Catalina Mountains and areas around Kitt Peak. The has been collected from open, rocky slopes and roadsides at moderate to high elevations. Associated vegetation includes composite flowers in the Asteraceae.
Distribution
Known from southern Arizona, USA. Specific documented localities include the Santa Catalina Mountains (Oracle Ridge Trail, Mt. Lemmon), Kitt Peak area, and Montosa Canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains. The appears restricted to the sky island mountain ranges of southern Arizona.
Seasonality
have been observed in September. Based on collection records, the appears to be active in late summer to early autumn.
Host Associations
- Bahia dissecta - flower visitationMajority of specimens collected from flowers
- Heliomeris longifolia - flower visitationFrequently visited by
- Heterotheca fulcrata - flower visitation observed on flowers
- Hymenothrix wrightii - flower visitation observed on flowers
- Ageratina herbarea - flower visitation observed on flowers
- Achillea millefolium - flower visitation observed on flowers
- Cirsium sp. - flower visitation observed on flowers
Behavior
are and actively visit flowers of Asteraceae, where they likely feed on pollen. The has been observed perching on flower and was noted as 'not numerous' at collection sites, requiring active searching to locate individuals. Adults appear to be strong fliers capable of navigating montane terrain.
Similar Taxa
- Acmaeodera amabilisSimilar size and metallic appearance, but A. amabilis has more coppery to bronze coloration and different elytral sculpturing
- Acmaeodera amplicollisOverlaps in and flower visitation, but A. amplicollis has broader pronotum and different color pattern
- Acmaeodera rubronotataSympatric in Arizona, but A. rubronotata has distinct reddish markings on that A. resplendens lacks
More Details
Nomenclatural note
The specific epithet 'resplendens' is Latin for 'shining' or 'resplendent', accurately describing the 's brilliant metallic appearance.
Collection history
The has been targeted by collectors due to its striking appearance. Ted MacRae documented successful collection of the species in 2019 from Oracle Ridge Trail after an unsuccessful attempt at Kitt Peak, suggesting the species can be locally common but patchily distributed.