Acmaeodera ampolicollis / Coleoptera Las Cruces, NM October 4, 2008 I spotted this pretty yellow and black beetle while hiking on the Pine Tree National Recreational trail in the Aguirre (pronounced "ah-GARY") Springs area on the eastern side of the Organ Mountains. Thanks to Eric at Bugguide.net for identifying this insect for me. There must not be a common name for this insect, there is nothing about it on the internet sites. The elytra (wing covers) are very intricately patterned with the yellow and black colors, note the tiny rows of dots and minute hairs. Many of these beetles are damaging wood borers.
Pea Family Las Cruces, NM (Organ Mountains) Oct. 4, 2008 This plant grew very thickly in the fields at the base of the Organ Mountains. I seemed to be a "magnet" for sticky seeds, after each hike I had to pull many seeds off my pants and bootlaces. The coverings of the seeds have tiny Velcro-like hooks that stick to fabric or animals' fur.
This Beetle had such long antennae I could not get all of it in the photo! I snapped this shot on the Pine Tree Trail in the Organ Mountains. The beetle is on an Apache Plume flower.
