Acmaeodera rubrocuprea

Westcott & Nelson, 2000

Acmaeodera rubrocuprea is a of metallic wood-boring beetle in the Buprestidae, described by Westcott & Nelson in 2000. The species is known from the southwestern United States and Mexico. It has been confirmed as breeding exclusively within dead branches of Cercocarpus ledifolius (curl-leaf mountain mahogany), making it one of five buprestid species associated exclusively with this . The specific epithet 'rubrocuprea' refers to its reddish- coloration.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Acmaeodera rubrocuprea: /ˌækmiˈoʊdərə ˌruːbroʊˈkjupriə/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Acmaeodera by its metallic reddish- coloration and association with Cercocarpus plants. The combination of color and confirmed breeding in Cercocarpus ledifolius distinguishes it from . Among the Cercocarpus-associated buprestids, it is one of five species known exclusively from this host .

Habitat

Associated with Cercocarpus ledifolius (curl-leaf mountain mahogany) growing on dry slopes and rocky areas in montane regions. The plant occurs sporadically in the Lake Tahoe Basin and more commonly on the dry eastern flank of the Sierra Nevada at elevations around 6,500 feet.

Distribution

North America: southwestern United States (California, Nevada) and Mexico. Specifically documented from the San Gabriel and Santa Rosa Mountains of southern California, the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend National Park in Texas, and the Lake Tahoe area.

Diet

Larvae bore in dead branches of Cercocarpus ledifolius. feeding habits unknown but likely visit flowers for pollen like .

Host Associations

Cercocarpus ledifolius - larval Confirmed breeding in dead branches; one of five buprestid exclusively associated with Cercocarpus

Life Cycle

Larvae develop as wood-borers in dead branches of Cercocarpus ledifolius. emerge and likely visit flowers. Specific timing of and adult activity period unknown.

Behavior

Larvae tunnel through dead wood, consuming considerable volumes to extract limited nutrients and ejecting bulk as sawdust. Development likely requires a year or more. presumably visit flowers for pollen feeding and mating, as is typical for the .

Ecological Role

Primary decomposer of dead Cercocarpus wood; contributes to nutrient cycling in montane . Part of a specialized guild of approximately two dozen buprestid associated with Cercocarpus in North America.

Human Relevance

Of interest to coleopterists and buprestid due to its restricted association and status as one of five exclusively tied to Cercocarpus. specimens have been collected by researchers.

Similar Taxa

Acmaeodera angelicaAlso associated with Cercocarpus; distinguished by different coloration and elytral patterns
Acmaeodera connexaAnother Cercocarpus associate; differs in coloration and maculation pattern
Acmaeodera vandykeiCercocarpus-associated with different coloration

More Details

Type Specimens

specimens have been collected from the San Gabriel and Santa Rosa Mountains of southern California and the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend National Park in Texas.

Conservation Notes

As a with an exclusive association, its conservation is tied to that of Cercocarpus ledifolius and the maintenance of healthy of this host plant in its restricted montane .