Acmaeodera vandykei

Acmaeodera vandykei belongs to the Acmaeodera tubulus-species group, characterized by small size (typically under 8 mm), black coloration with yellow maculations on the elytra, and membership in the 'Truncatae' group (prosternal margin nearly straight, not retracted from sides). Specific diagnostic features distinguishing A. vandykei from congeners in this group have not been published in accessible literature. Identification to species level in this genus generally requires examination by a specialist due to the lack of modern comprehensive keys.

Based on confirmed host associations, A. vandykei inhabits areas where Cercocarpus (mountain mahogany) occurs—dry slopes and rocky terrain in montane regions of western North America. The species has been reared from dead branches of this host plant.

Western North America. Confirmed occurrence in California (San Gabriel Mountains, Santa Rosa Mountains, Chisos Mountains of Texas via Big Bend National Park). The GBIF record indicates presence in British Columbia, Canada, though this may represent a range extension or vagrant record requiring verification. The species is one of approximately two dozen Buprestidae associated with Cercocarpus species in North America.

Adults feed on pollen from flowers. Larvae are wood-borers, developing in dead branches of Cercocarpus (mountain mahogany).

• Cercocarpus - breeding hostAdults reared from dead branches; one of nine Buprestidae species confirmed breeding in Cercocarpus

Complete metamorphosis with egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Larvae develop as wood-borers in dead branches of host plants, likely requiring one or more years to complete development based on patterns observed in related species. Adults emerge and disperse to flowers for feeding and mating.

Adults are diurnal and visit flowers to feed on pollen. Like other Acmaeodera species, they are likely strong fliers capable of dispersing to find host plants and mates.

As a wood-boring beetle, larvae contribute to nutrient cycling by breaking down dead woody material. Adults serve as pollinators while feeding on flower pollen. The species is one of several Buprestidae specialists on Cercocarpus, representing a distinctive host plant association in western North American jewel beetle fauna.

Of interest to coleopterists and natural historians studying Buprestidae host plant associations. The species is not known to be an economic pest. Like other Cercocarpus-associated buprestids, it may serve as an indicator of healthy montane ecosystems supporting its host plant.

• Acmaeodera rubrocupreaBoth species are associated with Cercocarpus; A. rubrocuprea is a Cercocarpus specialist (associated exclusively with this host), while A. vandykei has been reared from it but may have broader associations
• Other Acmaeodera tubulus-group speciesSimilar small size, black coloration with yellow elytral maculations, and 'Truncatae' prosternal structure; require careful examination or specialist identification to distinguish

• jewel beetle
• wood-borer
• Cercocarpus specialist
• western North America
• montane

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
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