Eupompha wenzeli
Skinner, 1904
Scintillating Poppy Blister Beetle
Eupompha wenzeli is a blister beetle in the Meloidae, first described by Skinner in 1904. It belongs to the tribe Eupomphini, a group of meloid beetles commonly associated with creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) and other desert vegetation. The occurs in arid regions of southwestern North America and Central America. Like other Eupompha species, are likely active during summer months when their plants are in bloom.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eupompha wenzeli: //juːˈpɒmfə ˈwɛnzəli//
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Habitat
Arid and semi-arid regions including desert scrub and creosote bush . Based on collection records and the of , likely associated with sandy or rocky desert soils.
Distribution
Southwestern United States (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona) and Mexico. GBIF records confirm presence in Middle America and North America. The type locality and specific range boundaries within this broad region require further documentation.
Seasonality
activity likely peaks during summer months (July–August) based on of related Eupompha and regional collecting records. The species has been collected in late July in western Texas.
Host Associations
- Larrea tridentata - probableInferred from congeneric ; Eupompha fissiceps and other Eupompha are strongly associated with creosote bush flowers and foliage.
Similar Taxa
- Eupompha fissicepsShares similar size, coloration, and preference; both occur on creosote bush in the southwestern United States. E. wenzeli can be distinguished by subtle differences in elytral and color pattern, though precise diagnostic features require examination of type material.
- Eupompha elegansOverlapping distribution in the southwestern United States; E. elegans is generally larger and more robust with distinct metallic coloration.
More Details
Collection History
The is represented by 163 specimens in the Entomology Research Museum at the University of California, Riverside (as of 2010), indicating it is not uncommon in regional collections despite limited published biological data.
Etymology
The specific epithet 'wenzeli' likely honors an individual associated with early 20th century entomology, though the exact derivation is not documented in available sources.