Parauleutes

Parauleutes is a of metallic wood-boring beetles in the Buprestidae, Polycestinae. The genus is closely related to Acmaeodera and is restricted to western North America. within Parauleutes remain poorly represented in collections due to cryptic habits, and the genus is currently in need of taxonomic revision with multiple undescribed species known to exist.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Parauleutes: //ˌpæraˈjuːtiːz//

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Identification

Parauleutes can be distinguished from the closely related and highly speciose Acmaeodera by several morphological characters: the front margin of the epistoma is not reflexed or plate-like; the front angles of the pronotum are rounded in side view; and the between the first and second abdominal sterna remains visible. Members of Parauleutes exhibit coarse elytral punctation and a heavily sculptured, bronzed pronotal surface. These features collectively produce a gestalt distinct from the small, vittate Acmaeodera species they superficially resemble.

Habitat

in this are found in western North America. They are typically encountered alighting on rock surfaces or bare soil rather than visiting flowers.

Distribution

Western North America, including Arizona and northern California.

Behavior

are observed flying and landing on rock surfaces or bare soil. Unlike the related Acmaeodera, most Parauleutes do not visit flowers.

Similar Taxa

  • AcmaeoderaClosely related with superficially similar small, vittate ; distinguished by reflexed epistoma, pronotal angles, and abdominal sternal characters
  • AnamboderaRelated buprestid also restricted to western North America with cryptic habits; Parauleutes and Anambodera are distinct genera within Acmaeoderini, though both are poorly collected and understudied

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