Apiomerus californicus
Berniker & Szerlip, 2011
California Bee Assassin
Apiomerus californicus is a of in the , first described by Berniker and Szerlip in 2011. It belongs to the Apiomerini tribe, commonly known as assassins, which are specialized of bees and other . The species is found in western North America, particularly in California and surrounding regions.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Apiomerus californicus: /ˌæpɪoʊˈmɛrəs kælɪˈfɔrnɪkəs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Distribution
Western North America, primarily California and adjacent areas. GBIF records indicate presence in North America with confirmed observations in California.
Similar Taxa
- Apiomerus spissipesClosely related in the same with overlapping distribution; A. spissipes is more broadly distributed across the Great Plains and generally replaces A. californicus in eastern regions. Distinguished by coloration and geographic range.
- Apiomerus crassipesRelated found further east, generally darker in coloration and replacing A. spissipes in eastern portions of the range.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- Bohart Museum: Learn about California's State Insect on UC Davis Picnic Day | Bug Squad
- Encyrtid Holdings | Entomology Research Museum
- California Has No State Bee--Yet! | Bug Squad
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- Bee Assassin on Coneflower | Beetles In The Bush
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