Acmaeodera sabinae

Knull, 1937

Acmaeodera sabinae is a small jewel beetle described by Knull in 1937. It belongs to the A. tubulus-species group, characterized by small size (under 8 mm), black coloration with confused yellow maculations on the , and membership in the 'Truncatae' group of the . Like other members of this group, it lacks a subapical crest on the last segment. The species is one of eight described since Fall's 1899 revision of the genus, contributing to the taxonomic complexity of this difficult group that now contains over 150 species in North America.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Acmaeodera sabinae: /ˌækmiːoʊˈdɪərə səˈbaɪniː/

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Identification

Within the Acmaeodera tubulus- group, A. sabinae can be distinguished from by specific morphological characters. The species shares with other group members the general appearance of black coloration with confused yellow elytral maculations, small size under 8 mm, and a prosternal margin that is nearly straight and not retracted from the sides (the defining trait of the 'Truncatae' group). It lacks the subapical crest on the last segment that characterizes other groups within the Truncatae. Precise distinguishing characters from other tubulus-group species (including A. carlota, A. conoidea, A. ligulata, A. neglecta, A. neoneglecta, A. opuntiae, A. parkeri, A. starrae, and A. thoracata) require comparison with determined specimens or use of specialized keys, as the group is notoriously difficult to identify without reference material.

Distribution

The occurs in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with confirmed presence in Middle America and North America. Specific locality records are sparse, but as a member of the tubulus-species group, it is likely restricted to the south-central and southwestern United States, the region where most non-tubulus members of this group occur.

Similar Taxa

  • Acmaeodera tubulusThe namesake of the group; widespread and common across the eastern U.S., making it relatively easy to identify compared to other group members. Distinguished by distribution and presumably other morphological characters, though specific differences from A. sabinae are not detailed in available sources.
  • Acmaeodera carlotaAnother member of the tubulus- group with which A. sabinae shares small size, black color with yellow elytral maculations, and lack of subapical crest. A. carlota is distinguished by flattened surface densely clothed with long, stiff, dark, suberect hairs; coarsely contiguously punctate pronotum; and subrugose, slightly irregular elytral intervals.
  • Acmaeodera neglectaMember of the tubulus- group occurring primarily in the south-central U.S.; distinguished from A. tubulus by larger punctures, duller surface, and yellow elytral spots often longitudinally coalesced into irregular 'C'-shaped markings.
  • Acmaeodera conoideaOne of only three known in the tubulus-group at the time of Fall's 1899 revision; shares general group characteristics but distinguished by specific morphological details not provided in available sources.

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