Zopherus chilensis
| Zopherus chilensis | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Suborder: | Polyphaga |
| Infraorder: | Cucujiformia |
| Family: | Zopheridae |
| Subfamily: | Zopherinae |
| Genus: | Zopherus |
| Species: | Z. chilensis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Zopherus chilensis Gray, 1832
| |
| Synonyms[1] | |
|
List
| |
Zopherus chilensis, also commonly known as the ma'kech or jewelled bug, is a species of ironclad beetle in the family Zopheridae. Despite the name "chilensis", nearly all of the known specimens have been found from Mexico to Venezuela.[1]
Appearance
[edit | edit source]Z. chilensis is described "muted gold"[2] to "dull white"[1] in colour, with black blotches or tubercles on its back.[1][3] It is the largest species in the genus Zopherus, and grows between 34 and 46 mm in length; 13 to 17 mm in width.[1][3]
As living brooches
[edit | edit source]In the Yucatán Peninsula, locals collect specimens of Z. chilensis and attach to their backs rhinestones, pearls, chenille, and small baubles. The beetle is then attached to a small golden leash and worn as jewellery or, more frequently in modern times, sold to tourists.[1][2][3][4] The practice is at least a hundred years old.[4]
Life cycle, habitat, and diet
[edit | edit source]
Z. chilensis lives in dead wood in arid forests and other similarly hot, dry, regions.[2][3] The larvae probably mine into this wood, and feed on fungus and lichen.[2][3] Adults are found underneath bark and logs, and are noted for their ability to survive for long periods of time with little or no food.[2][3]
References
[edit | edit source]- ^ a b c d e f Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ a b c d e Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ a b c d e f Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ a b Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
Lua error in Module:Taxonbar at line 165: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
 | This Zopheridae-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |