taxonID	type	description	language	source
039B1E20FFEA221BFF7FFAF5FCA0FC01.taxon	description	(Fig. 1 a – f) Description. Holotype female: 7.0 mm long, 2.5 mm wide; ground color shiny black above and below; head and pronotum immaculate; elytra with narrow yellow vittae from umbone to subapex, vestiture above and below short and white with setae narrow and flattened in shape. Head. Convex, weakly depressed at middle, front and vertex densely umbilicate-punctate, each puncture with a single white seta; clypeus depressed at base, densely punctate, triangularly emarginate medially; antennae reaching middle of pronotum, serrate from antennomere 5, 5 – 11 wider than long. Pronotum. Immaculate, about twice as wide as long, widest at middle, clothed with short white setae, sides arcuately rounded, carinate laterally at suture, disc finely punctate, laterally umbilicate-punctate, slight subbasal depression medially and two deeper depressions basolaterally, anterior margin bisinuate, slightly produced medially, posterior margin truncate. Elytra. Elytra with sides subparallel to middle then broadly rounded, tapering to conjointly rounded apices, disc marked with narrow yellow vittae from umbone to subapex, base as wide as posterior edge of pronotum, with deep scutellar depression; subbasal depression adjacent to elytral suture and posterior to umbone; striately punctured, strial punctures separated by less than their diameter on disc, third lateral stria split near basal third after 10 punctures; intervals with single row of fine punctures, each with a single white seta; second lateral interval much wider and inflated posterior to umbone, densely punctate with punctation somewhat confused; costal margin weakly serrate medially becoming stronger toward apex. Venter. Venter clothed in short, white, setae that are flattened in shape; proepisternum projecting less than the length of antennomere 2 past prosternum, punctures large, umbilicate; anterior edge of prosternum straight; prosternal process densely punctate, about two times as wide as diameter of procoxa; mesepisternum, metepisternum and metacoxae coarsely punctate; abdominal ventrites finely, densely punctate with recumbent setae; fifth abdominal ventrite more coarsely punctate apically, lacking raised carina; legs with femoral setae shorter than width of femur; tarsal claw with ungual tooth short and acute.	en	Hansen, Jason A. (2023): Acmaeodera (Coleoptera: Buprestidae): A new species of Acmaeodera Eschscholtz, 1829 from the southwestern United States, with three new synonymies, new state and host records, and a key to species occurring east of the Rocky Mountain states. Insecta Mundi 2023 (12): 1-52, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10271017
039B1E20FFEA221BFF7FFAF5FCA0FC01.taxon	materials_examined	Materials examined. The holotype labeled “ TX: Jeff Davis Co., Hwy 17 | 19.4 mi. south of Balmorhea | 30.7649, − 103.7595 | Sweeping flwers, 14. v. 2020 | JA Hansen & T. Hedlund || HOLOTYPE | Acmaeodera | natlovei | Hansen ” [red rectangular label]. Holotype deposited at FMNH. ARIZONA, Gila Co., Tonto Creek., 6. vii. 1977, unknown collector, (1 ♀) [TAMU]; Sierra Ancha Mts., no date, D. K. Duncan, (3 ♂) [WFBM]; Sierra Ancha Mts., Haigler Creek, 2. vi. 1933, Parker, (1) [WFBM]; Maricopa Co., Phoenix, no date, C. Palm, (1 ♀) [WFBM]; Mohave Co., Hualapai Mt. Park, on Purshia sp. (Rosaceae), 30. vi. 1966, R. L. Westcott, (4 ♀, 5 ♂) [RLWE]; same locality, 30. vi. 1966, E. J. Allen, (2 ♂, 1 ♀) [WFBM]; same locality, on Fallugia sp. (Rosaceae), 18. vi. 1985, W. F. Barr, (1 ♀) [WFBM]; Yavapai Co., Prescott, 2 mi. west of Thumb Butte, on Robinia sp. (Fabaceae), 19. vi. 1985, W. F. Barr, (2) [WFBM]; Yarnell, elev. 4783 ’, on Erigeron divergens Torr. & A. Gray (Asteraceae), 1. vi. 1966, J. H. Davidson, J. M. Davidson & M. A. Cazier, (1 ♀) [WFBM]; Prescott National Forest, Big Bug Creek, 3 mi. west of Poland Jct., 30. v. 1970, R. L. Westcott, (2 ♀, 1 ♂) [RLWE]; 5.7 mi. south of Prescott, elev. 5280 ’, on Erigeron divergens, 7. vi. 1966, J. M. Davidson & M. A. Cazier, (1 ♀) [WFBM]; same data except on Purshia mexicana (D. Don) Henrickson, (1 ♀) [RLWE]; Prescott, 18. vi. 1976, D. Ahart, (1 ♂) [TAMU]; NEW MEXICO, Chaves Co., 32.8655, − 104.9852, 16. vi. 2021, A. J. Schmitz, (9 ♀, 6 ♂) [AJSC]; Eddy Co., 9.9 mi. southwest of Whites City, 3740 ’, 12. v. 1989, T. Griswold, (1 ♀) [RLWE]; 5 – 10 mi. south Carlsbad, 25 – 27. ix. 1990, Androw & Brattain, (1) [TCMC]; 10 mi. south of Carlsbad, ex dead Celtis sp. (Ulmaceae), em. 15. ix. 1994, D. J. Heffern, (3 ♀) [DJHC]; Valencia Co., Chaves City, 12 mi. west of Hope, beating cactus blossom, 11. vi. 1983, F. M. Beer, (1) [RLWE]; Paratypes, [yellow rectangular labels], TEXAS, Brewster Co., Big Bend N. P., Chisos Mts., Pine Canyon, 1. vii. 1972, R. L. Westcott, (1 ♀) [TAMU]; Big Bend N. P., Oak Springs, on thistle blossom, 24. vi. 1971, G. H. Nelson, (2 ♀, 1 ♂) [FSCA]; same data except 25. vi. 1971, (1) [FSCA]; same locality, pan trap, 18. vi. 1999, S. Droege, (1 ♀) [TAMU]; Big Bend N. P., north of Rosillos Mts., Buttrill Springs, 22. iii – 8. iv. 1991, Wharton & Whitefield, (1 ♀) [TAMU]; Big Bend N. P., on flower, 22. v. 2001, D. W. Sundberg, (1 ♀) [FSCA]; 15 mi. west of Marathon, 26. vi. 1994, J. E. Wappes, (1 ♂) [TAMU]; Big Bend N. P., Chisos Mts., 29. iv. 1974, G. V. Manley, (5) [TAMU]; Big Bend N. P., Chisos Mts., 5. v. 1974, G. V. Manley, (2 ♂) [TAMU]; Big Bend N. P., Chisos Mts., Oak Canyon, Window Trail, on small white flower of Erigeron sp., 12. iv. 2010, R. L. Westcott, (2 ♀) [RLWE]; same locality, elev. 4800 ’, 21. vi. 1994, T. C. MacRae, (1) [TCMC]; 20 mi. south of Alpine, 30.1212, − 103.5807, 20. v. 2021, J. A. Hansen, (1 ♂) [JAHC]; Crockett Co., Ozona, 21. v. 2009, S. G. Wellso, (1 ♀) [TAMU]; Culberson Co., Guadalupe Mts. N. P., ½ mi. northwest of Pine Springs, on flower of Fallugia paradoxa (D. Don) Endl. ex Torr., 29. iv. 1972, R. L. Westcott, (1 ♂) [RLWE]; Jeff Davis Co., 19.4 mi. south of Balmorhea on Hwy. 17, 30.7649, − 103.7595, sweeping flowers, 14. v. 2020, J. A. Hansen & T. J. Hedlund (159) [JAHC, TJHC, TAMU, FSCA]; Hwy. 17, 30.7648, − 103.7393, sweeping roadside, 14. v. 2020, J. A. Hansen, (8 ♀, 6 ♂) [TAMU]; 7.4 mi. north of Ft. Davis on Hwy. 17, 308113, − 103.7576, 18. v. 2021, A. J. Schmitz, (2 ♂) [AJSC]; Ft. Davis, Hwy. 17, 30.6489, − 103.8398, 18. v. 2021, A. J. Schmitz, (4 ♀) [AJSC]; Ft. Davis, Hwy. 17, 30.6096, − 103.8788, 18. v. 2021, A. J. Schmitz, (4 ♀, 3 ♂) [AJSC]; 4.7 mi. northeast of Ft. Davis, Hwy. 17, 30.6495, − 103.8352, 3. vii. 2021, A. J. Schmitz, (1 ♀) [AJSC]; 25 mi. northeast Ft. Davis, on morning glory flowers, 30. v. 1989, W. F. Barr, (2 ♀, 4 ♂) [WFBM]; same locality, sweeping grass, 30. v. 1989, W. F. Barr, (14 ♀, 6 ♂) [WFBM]; no specific location, 12. v. 2003, S. G. Wellso, (3 ♀, 3 ♂) [TAMU]; Hwy. 118, 30.6045, − 103.9038, dug from dead Juglans microcarpa Berl. (Juglandaceae) branch 3 inches in diameter, beetle dead, coll. 13. v. 2020, J. A. Hansen, (1 ♀) [JAHC]; ESPY Ranch, FM- 1832, 30.8104, − 103.9219, landed on white beat sheet, 14. v. 2020, J. A. Hansen, (3 ♀, 4 ♂) [JAHC]; 15.8 mi. northeast Ft. Davis, Hwy. 17, 30.76483, − 103.759348, elev. 4200 ’, on flower Verbena sp. (Verbenaceae), 28. iv. 2021, T. C. MacRae, (1) [TCMC]; same data except swept from roadside vegetation, (1) [TCMC]; Davis Mts., Limpia Canyon, 17 – 20. vi. 1961, R. L. Westcott, (4 ♀, 7 ♂) [TAMU, RLWE]; Davis Mountains State Park, Limpia Canyon Primitive Area, elev. 5050 ’, ex small dead branch Celtis laevigata Willd. var. reticulata (Torr.) L. D. Benson coll. 17. v. 1994, em. v. 1996, T. C. MacRae, (1 ♀) [TCMC]; same data except, ex dead branch Celtis laevigata var. reticulata coll. 24. x. 2001, em. 1 – 14. vi. 2003, (1 ♀) [TCMC]; Hwy. 118, Lawrence E Wood Picnic Area, 30.706182, − 104.104849, on Ratibida columnifera (Nutt.) Wooton & Standl. (Asteraceae), 2. vii. 2017, J. A. Back, (1) [JABIC]; Ft. Davis, 27 – 29. viii. 1962, H. R. Burke, (1) [TAMU]; 4 mi. southeast of Ft. Davis, Hwy. 118, 13. vi. 1968, G. H. & D. E. Nelson, (1 ♀) [FSCA]; Ft. Davis, Hwy. 118, Caldwell Ranch Gate, 30.7422, − 104.1396, 13. v. 2020, J. A. Hansen, (2 ♂) [JAHC]; 21 mi. south of Kent, 12. vi. 1983, collector unknown, (1 ♀) [FSCA]; Pecos Co., 29 mi. south of Ft. Stockton, on Ratibida columnifera, 24. v. 1980, R. L. Westcott, (1 ♂) [RLWE]; Ft. Stockton, 28 mi. southwest on US- 385, 13. v. 2003, S. G. Wellso, (1 ♀) [TAMU]; same locality, 5. vi. 1992, E. G. Riley, (1 ♂) [TAMU]; Ft. Stockton, 6. iv. 1993, S. G. Wellso, (1) [TAMU]; Reeves Co., Toyahvale, 0.4 mi. south of FM- 3078 on Hwy. 17, elev. 3347 ′, 30.9371, − 103.7917, 28. iv. 2021, swept from roadside vegetation, T. C. MacRae, (1) [TCMC]; same data except 24. v. 2022, on flower Machaeranthera pinnatifida (Hook.) Shinners (Asteraceae), (1) [TCMC]; Sutton Co., Sonora, 13. v. 2009, S. G. Wellso, (3) [TAMU]; no specific location, 12. v. 2009, S. G. Wellso, (1 ♂) [TAMU].	en	Hansen, Jason A. (2023): Acmaeodera (Coleoptera: Buprestidae): A new species of Acmaeodera Eschscholtz, 1829 from the southwestern United States, with three new synonymies, new state and host records, and a key to species occurring east of the Rocky Mountain states. Insecta Mundi 2023 (12): 1-52, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10271017
039B1E20FFEA221BFF7FFAF5FCA0FC01.taxon	description	Variation. Shape of the clypeus varies from triangularly emarginate to sinuate but never broadly emarginate. Pronotal shape can be widest at middle to widest just behind middle in some specimens. Yellow elytral markings vary from narrow vittae extending from umbone to subapex, as seen in the holotype (Fig. 1 a), to broken vittae appearing as a posthumeral C-shaped maculation and two converging, oblique maculations on the apical third of the elytra. In some specimens these are broken up further (see Appendix 1, Fig. 23). Specimens are subcylindrical to more robust. A series of 200 specimens revealed one with the costal edge of the elytra entire; all other specimens had the costal edge serrate as described for the holotype. Sexual dimorphism. In males the ungual tooth of the protarsal claw is at least half as long as the outer claw with the tip distinctly truncate (Fig. 1 e). Females can be separated from males by the short, acute ungual tooth of the protarsal claw (Fig. 1 f). Females range in size from 5 – 7 mm long, 1.9 – 2.8 mm wide and males 5 – 6.5 mm long, 1.5 – 2.1 mm wide. On average, females are larger than males. The female genitalia are typical of the Acmaeodera tubulus species group (e. g., A. natlovei, A. neoneglecta Fisher, 1949, A. neglecta Fall, 1899, A. opuntiae Knull, 1966, A. tubulus [Fabricius, 1801]).	en	Hansen, Jason A. (2023): Acmaeodera (Coleoptera: Buprestidae): A new species of Acmaeodera Eschscholtz, 1829 from the southwestern United States, with three new synonymies, new state and host records, and a key to species occurring east of the Rocky Mountain states. Insecta Mundi 2023 (12): 1-52, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10271017
039B1E20FFEA221BFF7FFAF5FCA0FC01.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Arizona, New Mexico, Texas.	en	Hansen, Jason A. (2023): Acmaeodera (Coleoptera: Buprestidae): A new species of Acmaeodera Eschscholtz, 1829 from the southwestern United States, with three new synonymies, new state and host records, and a key to species occurring east of the Rocky Mountain states. Insecta Mundi 2023 (12): 1-52, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10271017
039B1E20FFEA221BFF7FFAF5FCA0FC01.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. Celtis laevigata var. reticulata Torr. and Juglans microcarpa Berl. are the only confirmed larval plant hosts of A. natlovei. A large series was collected in Jeff Davis Co., Texas (30.7649, − 103.7595) where neither of these two hosts were apparent, leading the author to believe the larval host range is likely broader than currently known. Adults on Robinia sp., also on flowers of C irsium Mill. (Asteraceae), Convolvulus equitans Benth. (Convolvulaceae), Diospyros texana Scheele (Ebenaceae), Erigeron divergens, Fallugia paradoxa, Lygodesmia texana (Torr. & A. Gray) Greene (Asteraceae), Machaeranthera pinnatifida, Opuntia sp. (Cactaceae), Purshia mexicana and P. stansburiana (Torr.) Henrickson, Ratibida columnifera and Verbena sp. Adults alighted on a white beat sheet laid on the ground, along with individuals of Acmaeodera gillespiensis Knull, 1941 and Acmaeodera quadrivittatoides Nelson and Westcott, 1995. Peak flight of A. natlovei occurs May and June, with museum specimens dated as early as April, and a solitary specimen collected in late August from Ft. Davis, Texas. The latter likely represents an extreme end of the species natural flight period.	en	Hansen, Jason A. (2023): Acmaeodera (Coleoptera: Buprestidae): A new species of Acmaeodera Eschscholtz, 1829 from the southwestern United States, with three new synonymies, new state and host records, and a key to species occurring east of the Rocky Mountain states. Insecta Mundi 2023 (12): 1-52, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10271017
039B1E20FFEA221BFF7FFAF5FCA0FC01.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The specific epithet is in honor of the African American cowboy, Nat Love. He was born into slavery but eventually made his mark as a free man in the southwestern United States herding cattle. In the latter half of the 19 th century, he traveled much of the land between Arizona and Texas on horseback and eventually authored an autobiography of his many adventures.	en	Hansen, Jason A. (2023): Acmaeodera (Coleoptera: Buprestidae): A new species of Acmaeodera Eschscholtz, 1829 from the southwestern United States, with three new synonymies, new state and host records, and a key to species occurring east of the Rocky Mountain states. Insecta Mundi 2023 (12): 1-52, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10271017
039B1E20FFEA221BFF7FFAF5FCA0FC01.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Acmaeodera natlovei has been confused in collections with Acmaeodera conoidea Fall, 1899 for decades because the two sometimes share similar elytral markings and robustness, but A. natlovei is easily separated from that species by having the clypeus triangularly emarginate medially and by the split of the third lateral stria more or less at the basal third. In contrast, the clypeus of A. conoidea is very broadly emarginate and the third lateral stria is split near the umbone after only a few punctures. Acmaeodera natlovei can also be separated from Acmaeodera neglecta and A. opuntiae, the latter two having the third lateral stria split near the umbone as in A. conoidea. Based on the split of the third lateral stria and more bulbous medial lobe of the aedeagus (Fig. 2 a – e), A. natlovei is most closely related to A. tubulus and A. neoneglecta. It can be distinguished by being larger in size on average, usually more robust, and most easily by the characteristic elytral markings and darker color, which differ from those typically seen in either of the former two species. Acmaeodera tubulus can sometimes be robust but has distinct spots (usually eight), whereas A. natlovei has elytral spots consolidated into vittae or has vittae broken into 3 – 4 larger yellow spots. Acmaeodera neoneglecta can be separated from A. natlovei by its more bronzed luster and when vittae are present in the former, they are extremely irregular or wider than seen in specimens of the latter. Based on examination of over 1,000 Texas specimens, geographical differences between the three species are as follows: A. tubulus occurs throughout the eastern and midwestern United States to central Texas, A. neoneglecta is restricted to central Texas south into Mexico, and A. natlovei occurs in west Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. In Arizona, A. natlovei may be confused with Acmaeodera cazieri Knull, 1960 and Acmaeodera ligulata Cazier, 1940, to both of which it can bear a superficial resemblance. Acmaeodera cazieri differs by being larger, more robust, having the prosternum much more convex, elytral vittae never broken and abdominal ventrites 1 – 4 transversely reticulate between punctures laterally. Acmaeodera ligulata can be separated readily by its coarsely punctate pronotum and more cylindrical shape. Synonyms	en	Hansen, Jason A. (2023): Acmaeodera (Coleoptera: Buprestidae): A new species of Acmaeodera Eschscholtz, 1829 from the southwestern United States, with three new synonymies, new state and host records, and a key to species occurring east of the Rocky Mountain states. Insecta Mundi 2023 (12): 1-52, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10271017
039B1E20FFEE2215FF7FFC58FBF3FEA7.taxon	description	The two syntypes of A. conoidea, one of which was designated lectotype by Westcott and Bílý (2018) [ANSP], were compared to detailed images of the holotype of A. yuccavora, provided by the Chicago Field Museum as well as various Arizona specimens of the latter from private collections [JAHC, POKC, RLWE]. In my opinion, the types are conspecific. The original series of A. conoidea in the Horn collection was described as “ small ” by Fall (1899) and likely did not represent the full range of variation within the species. It is perhaps not a coincidence that Cazier (1940) noted similarities between A. conoidea and A. subbalteata LeConte, 1863, just as Knull (1962) later remarked on similarities between A. yuccavora and A. subbalteata, as A. conoidea and A. yuccavora represent the same species. The original description of A. yuccavora notes four irregular transverse yellow elytral markings, although Knull acknowledges the markings vary considerably and connect in some specimens to form vittae, as seen in the two existing A. conoidea syntypes (Fig. 3; Knull 1962; Westcott and Bílý 2018). Notably absent from the description of A. yuccavora is a comparison to A. conoidea, understandable since Knull did not have access to the type series at the time, long before the designation of the A. conoidea lectotype. The last published account of the type series was Cazier (1940), who mistakenly declared the type lost. Horn’s series of A. conoidea was apparently composed of at least three specimens, only two could be located over a century later and were subsequently designated as the lectotype and paralectotype, respectively (Westcott and Bílý 2018). Careful study of these types made it clear the previously concept of A. conoidea, as represented in published distribution records and among many specimens in collections, was in error. During the course of study for this work, specimens of the Acmaeodera tubulus species group from multiple collections were examined. Among those were specimens from west Texas labeled as A. conoidea that did not align with Fall’s (1899) description, but invariably represented the previously undescribed species, A. natlovei. Confusion between A. conoidea and A. natlovei undoubtedly came about due to misplacement of the type series, variability among specimens of both species, and the subsequent misidentifications that appear to have been relied upon for comparison. Acmaeodera conoidea can easily be separated from all similar species of Texas Acmaeodera by its broadly emarginate clypeus, third lateral strial split near the umbone, and larval host.	en	Hansen, Jason A. (2023): Acmaeodera (Coleoptera: Buprestidae): A new species of Acmaeodera Eschscholtz, 1829 from the southwestern United States, with three new synonymies, new state and host records, and a key to species occurring east of the Rocky Mountain states. Insecta Mundi 2023 (12): 1-52, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10271017
039B1E20FFEE2215FF7FFC58FBF3FEA7.taxon	biology_ecology	Biology. Due to confusion with A. natlovei, a reexamination of host records reported in the literature for A. conoidea is warranted. Burke (1918) reports rearing A. conoidea from dead flower stalks of sotol, Dasylirion wheeleri S. Watson (Liliaceae), a record repeated in Chamberlin (1926) but using the common name Spanish dagger in error. Burke’s host record was thought to be based on a misidentification until recently, when A. conoidea was reared from a sotol stalk in Arizona, confirming the larval host record: Arizona, Santa Cruz Co., Ruby Rd., Atascosa Trailhead, elev. 4701 ′, 12 R 486024 3474474 UTM, ex Dasylirion wheeleri coll. 20. iv. 2018, em. viii. 17 – ix. 14.2019, P. Kaufman [POKC]. Larval host records of A. conoidea from Ulmus crassifolia Nutt. (Ulmaceae), Juglans sp., and Celtis laevigata var. reticulata are also in question (Westcott et al. 1979; MacRae and Nelson 2003). The record from U. crassifolia in south Texas was found to be based on a misidentified specimen of A. neoneglecta, a common species in the Texas Rio Grande Valley (Ted MacRae, pers. comm.). Unfortunately, the previously reported specimen of A. conoidea reared from Juglans sp. (Westcott et. al. 1979) could not be examined. Considering misidentification of A. natlovei specimens was common at the time for the previously stated reasons and the timing of its emergence (i. e., May), it is highly likely the specimen represents A. natlovei. Further supporting evidence was the discovery of a dead A. natlovei adult in its pupal chamber within a dead branch of Juglans macrocarpa, in Ft. Davis, Texas (personal observation). The solitary specimen of A. conoidea reared from C. laevigata var. reticulata (MacRae and Nelson 2003) was examined by the author and determined to also represent A. natlovei. During the preparation of this manuscript, additional specimens came to light, also reared from Celtis sp. collected in Eddy Co., New Mexico near Carlsbad, as noted above in Materials Examined.	en	Hansen, Jason A. (2023): Acmaeodera (Coleoptera: Buprestidae): A new species of Acmaeodera Eschscholtz, 1829 from the southwestern United States, with three new synonymies, new state and host records, and a key to species occurring east of the Rocky Mountain states. Insecta Mundi 2023 (12): 1-52, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10271017
039B1E20FFE02213FF7FFE06FB42F973.taxon	description	The holotype of Acmaeodera thoracata Knull, 1974 also appears to be synonymous with A. neoneglecta, by far the most common member of the Acmaeodera tubulus species group in south Texas, where the only known specimen of A. thoracata was collected (Knull 1974). Examination of the holotype of A. thoracata revealed three unique morphological characters that separate it from other species in the group and which provide further insight into its rightful taxonomic placement. The novel characters in question are: elytron lacking serration laterally (notably missing from the original description), prothorax widest anterior to middle, and lack of punctation medially on the pronotal disc. Examination of variation within the Acmaeodera tubulus species group and other closely related species in the genus reveal these characters, while rare, are not unique to A. thoracata. Lack of serration along the costal edge of the elytra was found to be a rare character state for A. natlovei and mirrored the character found in the A. thoracata holotype, suggesting it may be a developmental anomaly occurring within the Acmaeodera tubulus species group or possibly the genus in general. While pronotal shape can be a useful character in separating some species within the genus, it can and does vary among conspecifics. For example, the pronotum of A. ligulata varies between being widest near the middle to just in front of middle as seen in A. thoracata (Cazier 1940). Many other species in the genus also have slight variations of pronotal shape among specimens which, on rare occasion, do not match their generally accepted morphology (personal observation). This would suggest there is some degree of plasticity during development when pronotal shape is determined. While no specimens of A. neoneglecta exhibiting the same lack of punctation medially on the pronotum were found, pronotal punctation does vary among species within the Acmaeodera tubulus species group from fine, distinct punctures to wider, shallower ones. The prothorax of the A. thoracata holotype is finely punctate, as is often seen in specimens of A. neoneglecta, but differs by the glabrous nature of the medial portion of the disc. This is apparently due to increased spacing of the punctures in a small area of the pronotum and can easily be explained as a developmental deformity, which is further supported by an additional character that is not mentioned in the description of the holotype or evident in Knull’s drawing of the specimen. The elytral base of the A. thoracata holotype is decidedly asymmetrical. On one side the base adjacent to the scutellar area juts upward in an unusual fashion. Conversely, the opposite elytron is deeply impressed adjacent to the umbone with the base less dramatically, but still unnaturally declivous. These distortions of the elytral base do not appear to be due to mechanical damage, leading the author to conclude that it is a developmental deformity. The deformity is of sufficient severity that it may have made lifting the elytra difficult, possibly interfering with normal flight. With no other specimens known, it is the opinion of the author that the suite of characters pointed to defining A. thoracata are not evidence of a unique speciation event but instead a combination of poor pupal development and normal variation within the species A. neoneglecta. New Records Acmaeodera gibbula LeConte, 1858. TEXAS, Val Verde Co., Pecos River bridge & Hwy. 90, 29.7103, − 101.3536, ex dead Vachellia rigidula (Benth.) Seigler & Ebinger (Fabaceae) coll. x. 2022, em. 1 − 10. v. 2023, J. A. Hansen, (3 ♀, 2 ♂) [JAHC], new larval host. Acmaeodera immaculata Horn, 1878. TEXAS (new state record), El Paso Co., 15 mi. east of El Paso, 25. v. 1980, unknown collector, Det. R. L. Westcott [OSAC, RLWE]; Winkler Co., nr. Kermit, 2.5 mi. west of Hwy. 115 on FM 874, 31.9444, − 103.0110, elev. 2979 ′, on flower Oenothera sp. (Onagraceae), 6. vi. 2018, T. C. MacRae & J. P. Huether, (6) [TCMC], new floral host. This species may be present in the Texas panhandle as well, where the known larval host, Krascheninnikovia lanata (Pursh) A. Meeuse & Smit. (Chenopodiaceae), occurs. Acmaeodera maculifera Horn, 1894. TEXAS, Brewster Co., Big Bend N. P., on flower Anisacanthus linearis (Hagen) Henrickson & Lott (Acanthaceae), 25. vi. 1985, P. E. Scott, (1) [LSAM], new floral host.	en	Hansen, Jason A. (2023): Acmaeodera (Coleoptera: Buprestidae): A new species of Acmaeodera Eschscholtz, 1829 from the southwestern United States, with three new synonymies, new state and host records, and a key to species occurring east of the Rocky Mountain states. Insecta Mundi 2023 (12): 1-52, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10271017
039B1E20FFE02213FF7FFE06FB42F973.taxon	description	Acmaeodera ornatoides Barr, 1972. OKLAHOMA, Comanche Co., Medicine Park Primitive Campground on West Lake Drive, 34.724457, − 98.498971, elev. 1268 ′, on flower Gaillardia pulchella, 9. vi. 2019, T. C. MacRae & R. S. Thoma, (3) [TCMC], new floral host. Acmaeodera princeps Kerremans, 1908. Starr Co., La Morita Rd., 26.5660, − 98.8538, feeding on flower Prosopis glandulosa, 1. iv. 2023, J. A. Hansen, (1) [JAHC], new floral host. Acmaeodera pulchella (Herbst, 1801). OKLAHOMA, Le Flore Co., Ouachita National Forest, Ouachita Trail south of Winding Staircase Campground, 34.7093, − 94.6831, elev. 2383 ′, on flower Krigia sp. (Asteraceae), 8. vi. 2019, T. C. MacRae & R. S. Thoma, (1) [TCMC], new floral host. Acmaeodera quadrivittatoides Nelson & Westcott, 1995. TEXAS, Winkler Co., nr. Kermit, 2.5 mi. west of Hwy. 115 on FM- 874, 31.9444, − 103.0110, elev. 2979 ′, on flower Oenothera sp., 6. vi. 2018, T. C. MacRae & J. P. Huether, (1) [TCMC], new floral host. Acmaeodera robigo Knull, 1954. Texas, Edwards Co., 2 mi. northwest Camp Wood, 29.6826, − 100.0277, on flower Pinaropappus roseus (Less.) Less. (Asteraceae), 14. iv. 2018, K. W. Wright, (1) [TAMU], new floral host. Acmaeodera tubulus (Fabricius, 1801). Texas, Brazos Co., College Station, ex Quercus sinuata Walter var sinuata coll. 31. xii. 1985, em. 25. iii. 1986, S. G. Wellso & J. A. Jackman, (1) [TAMU], new larval host; Bryan, FM- 1688 nr. Brazos River, ex Styphnolobium affine (Torr. & A. Gray) Walp. (Fabaceae) coll. 31. xii. 1985, em. 2 – 9. iii. 1986, J. A. Jackman & S. G. Wellso, (4) [TAMU], new larval host. COLORADO (new state record), Alamosa Co., Alamosa, 25. vi. 1981, J. Glaser, (1) [CMNH, mislabeled?].	en	Hansen, Jason A. (2023): Acmaeodera (Coleoptera: Buprestidae): A new species of Acmaeodera Eschscholtz, 1829 from the southwestern United States, with three new synonymies, new state and host records, and a key to species occurring east of the Rocky Mountain states. Insecta Mundi 2023 (12): 1-52, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10271017
