Flower Buprestid

Acmaeodera amplicollis

a yellow and black flower buprestidae, Acmaeodera amplicollis, photo © by Mike Plagens

Observed in Madera Canyon, Sta. Rita Mountains, Arizona, USA. 10 Sept 2010.

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Many, many species of Acmaeodera can be found in Arizona. The best place to find them is on flowers where they feed on pollen or the petals. Most are about 7 to 10mm long with hardened elytra (first pair of wings). The head is distinctly blunt and the posterior tapered. Intricate patterns of yellow and/or red on shiny black make for very attractive insects. They are a favorite of collectors and photographers. The immature stage is a wood-boring grub to be found inside dead or dying branches of oaks, mesquites or other trees.

Buprestidae -- Metalic Wood-boring Beetle Family

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Arizona Naturalist
Sycamore Canyons
Invertebrates in Arizona's Sycamore Canyons


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Copyright Michael J. Plagens, page created 25 September 2013