Cactus-flower-visitor
Guides
Acmaeodera diffusa
Acmaeodera diffusa is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Barr in 1969. The species is known from western North America, with records from Utah and surrounding regions. Adults are flower visitors, frequently collected from blooms of pricklypear cacti (Opuntia), globemallow (Sphaeralcea), and other desert forbs. Like other Acmaeodera species, larvae likely develop in dead or dying woody plants, though specific host associations remain incompletely documented.
Acmaeodera gillespiensis
Acmaeodera gillespiensis is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Knull in 1941. The species is a west Texas specialty with scattered records extending into southeastern New Mexico. It has been documented on flowers of Echinocereus enneacanthus (strawberry cactus) and Opuntia camanchica (tulip pricklypear cactus), suggesting adult association with blooming cacti. Records indicate activity in late May to early June.
Acmaeodera starrae
Acmaeodera starrae is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Knull in 1966. The species is found in North America, with documented occurrences in Texas and New Mexico. Based on field observations, adults are known to visit flowers of Echinocereus enneacanthus carnosus (strawberry cactus) and other low-growing desert plants. The species is considered rare and is infrequently encountered by collectors.
Agrilus gillespiensis
Enchanted Rock Agrilus
Agrilus gillespiensis is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Knull in 1947. The species is a west Texas specialty, with records from the Big Bend region and adjacent areas of New Mexico. Adults have been collected from flowers of Echinocereus enneacanthus carnosus (strawberry cactus) and Opuntia camanchica (tulip pricklypear cactus), suggesting a floral association uncommon for the genus. The specific epithet refers to Gillespie County, Texas, though the species has a broader distribution in the region. Like other members of the enormous genus Agrilus, it presumably develops as a larva in dead woody branches, though no confirmed larval host records are documented.
Pediodectes haldemanii
Haldeman's shieldback, American shield-back katydid
Pediodectes haldemanii is a large, flightless shield-backed katydid native to the Great Plains of North America. Adults lack the leaf-like wings typical of many katydids and exhibit striking dark red markings against a green body. The species is known for its relatively docile behavior and has been observed feeding on cactus flowers.