Mesquite-associate
Guides
Acanthochalcis unispinosa
Acanthochalcis unispinosa is a large chalcidid wasp distinguished from its congener A. nigricans by the absence of white pubescent patches on the abdomen. It ranges from Texas to California and is a known parasitoid of jewel beetles (Buprestidae), particularly species in the genus Chrysobothris. The genus is notable among chalcidids for its large body size and extraordinarily long ovipositor, adaptations for reaching wood-boring beetle larvae in their galleries.
Acmaeoderopsis junki
Acmaeoderopsis junki is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, first described by Théry in 1929. The species has been documented from mesquite and acacia habitats in the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona, and is also reported from Central America and North America more broadly. It is one of two recognized subspecies in the species complex, with A. j. junki and A. j. peninsularis described.
Actenodes mendax
Actenodes mendax is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is found in North America. The species was described by Horn in 1891. Based on field observations, adults have been collected on Prosopis glandulosa (honey mesquite) in clay/gypsum mixed-grass prairie habitats in Oklahoma.
Actenodes mimicus
Actenodes mimicus is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Knull in 1964. It is found in North America, with collection records from the southwestern United States including New Mexico and Texas. Like other members of the genus Actenodes, it is associated with woody vegetation and has been collected by beating mesquite and other host plants.
Chlorochroa ligata
conchuela bug, conchuela stink bug
Chlorochroa ligata, commonly known as the conchuela bug, is a stink bug species in the family Pentatomidae. It occurs across North America and Central America, with documented presence in the southwestern United States including New Mexico and Texas. The species is associated with mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and other woody plants, where adults have been observed mating on seedpods. It is recognized as a pest of grain sorghum and other crops, with piercing-sucking mouthparts that damage developing kernels.
Chrysobothris rossi
Chrysobothris rossi is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The species has been collected from mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), soapberry (Sapindus saponaria), and various acacia species (Vachellia constricta, Senegalia greggii). Adults are attracted to ethanol-baited traps and can be collected by beating dead or dying branches of host plants.
Diceroprocta semicincta
Sonoran Flag-Bearer
Diceroprocta semicincta is a cicada species native to the Sonoran Desert region of southwestern North America and adjacent areas of Mexico. Adults are active during the hottest months of summer, with males producing loud calling songs from mesquite trees and other vegetation. The species has an annual life cycle with overlapping generations, unlike the periodical cicadas. Two subspecies are recognized: D. s. semicincta and D. s. nigricans.
Diceroprocta texana
Texas Plain Flag-Bearer
A small cicada species distributed across the south-central United States and northern Mexico. Males produce audible songs and have been observed singing from vegetation including mesquite and blazingstar. The species exhibits a pale, nearly white venter that serves as a distinguishing field mark. Activity has been documented during mid-summer months.
Plionoma suturalis
Plionoma suturalis is a longhorned beetle in the tribe Trachyderini, characterized by bright coloration and diurnal flower-visiting behavior. The species was described by LeConte in 1858 and occurs from Texas west to California and south into northern Mexico. Its 2013 discovery in northwestern Oklahoma represented a significant northeastern range extension of over 200 miles from the nearest previous records in north-central Texas. Adults exhibit bimodal seasonal activity, appearing in spring, disappearing during summer, and reappearing in fall.