Sand-dune-fauna
Guides
Acmaeoderopsis rockefelleri
Acmaeoderopsis rockefelleri is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae. It occurs in arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species is associated with mesquite (Prosopis) and acacia (Acacia) host plants, where adults have been collected by beating vegetation.
Eleodes caudifera
desert stink beetle
Eleodes caudifera is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly referred to as a desert stink beetle. The species is native to arid regions of western North America and exhibits the defensive head-standing behavior typical of the genus Eleodes. It has been documented in sandy desert habitats, particularly in association with dune systems. The species was described by LeConte in 1858.
Hogna osceola
Hogna osceola is a species of wolf spider in the family Lycosidae, first described by Gertsch and Wallace in 1937. It is a burrow-living wolf spider found in sandy habitats of western Texas and adjacent regions. Like other members of the genus Hogna, it exhibits the characteristic eye arrangement of wolf spiders with enlarged posterior median eyes that produce eyeshine visible at night when illuminated. The species appears to be associated with sand dune systems, where individuals construct silk-lined burrows.
Lampetis
Eyed Jewel Beetles
Lampetis is a large genus of jewel beetles (Buprestidae) comprising nearly 300 species worldwide. Adults are typically large, conspicuous beetles with brilliant metallic coloration. The genus has a broad geographic distribution spanning North America, South America, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Larval biology remains poorly known for most species, with development suspected to occur in living wood below the soil line—a habit that explains the rarity of larval discoveries.
Philolithus aeger
Philolithus aeger is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) first described by LeConte in 1858. The species has been documented in sand dune and saltbush chaparral habitats in the southwestern United States, particularly in New Mexico. Observations suggest it is active during late summer and early fall. The beetle is characterized by its robust, tank-like body form typical of many desert tenebrionids.
Xeropsamobeus
Xeropsamobeus is a genus of aphodiine dung beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, containing approximately 10 described species. The genus was established by Saylor in 1937. Species in this genus are native to arid regions of western North America, with several species described from desert habitats in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Most species were described or revised by Gordon and Skelley in 2007.