Acmaeodera sphaeralceae

Barr, 1972

Acmaeodera sphaeralceae is a of metallic wood-boring beetle in the Buprestidae, described by Barr in 1972. Like other members of this large North American , it is associated with flowers and woody vegetation. The specific epithet suggests a relationship with plants in the genus Sphaeralcea (globemallows, family Malvaceae), which serve as larval for related species in the genus.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Acmaeodera sphaeralceae: /ˌæk.miː.oʊˈdɛr.ə ˌsfɛr.əlˈsiː.iː/

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Distribution

North America (). The is recorded as present in the Nearctic region, though specific locality records beyond this broad designation are not documented in available sources.

Host Associations

Sphaeralcea - larval Inferred from specific epithet; Sphaeralcea are confirmed larval for related Acmaeodera species including A. malvastri, which develops in living Sphaeralcea plants

More Details

Etymology

The specific epithet 'sphaeralceae' directly references the plant Sphaeralcea (globemallows), indicating the original description was based on specimens associated with this plant. This follows a common pattern in Acmaeodera names, where many are named after their larval host plants (e.g., A. opuntiae from Opuntia, A. sabinae from Juniperus sabina).

Taxonomic Context

Acmaeodera is one of the largest of jewel beetles in North America, with over 150 described . The genus is in need of revision, with many species described after the last comprehensive treatment (Fall 1899) and identification often requiring comparison with determined specimens or consultation.