Pseudozonitis dianae
This record describes Pseudozonitis dianae (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
distinguished by its relatively small eyes, uniformly colored elytra and uniformly dark legs, pronotal dimensions, mandibular structure and color, and male genitalia. Elytral color and presence of a black macula on the pronotum vary in P. dianae . Most specimens have distinctly black elytra. In three individuals the elytra are entirely yellow. Two were collected with black individuals. Fig. 50. P. dianae Types - Holotype ♂ and allotype ♀. USA. Arizona: Chiricahua Mts, Cave Creek Cyn, 9 mi. ‘above’ Portal; vii-20-1975; on Mimosa sp.; G. H. Nelson, collr; FSCA.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Meloidae (Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Nemognathinae
- Tribe
- Nemognathini
- Genus
- Pseudozonitis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se.AZ, far w.TX (Hueco Mts)
Seasonal Activity
early June to early August (14 records)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pseudozonitis dianae Pinto 2018
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pseudozonitis dianae. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Pseudozonitis dianae (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pseudozonitis dianae
What is Pseudozonitis dianae?
Pseudozonitis dianae is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pseudozonitis dianae?
7-13 mm (N = 6)
How do you identify Pseudozonitis dianae?
distinguished by its relatively small eyes, uniformly colored elytra and uniformly dark legs, pronotal dimensions, mandibular structure and color, and male genitalia. Elytral color and presence of a black macula on the pronotum vary in P. dianae . Most specimens have distinctly black elytra. In three individuals the elytra are entirely yellow. Two were collected with black individuals. Fig. 50. P. dianae
Where is Pseudozonitis dianae found?
Range: se.AZ, far w.TX (Hueco Mts)
When is Pseudozonitis dianae active?
Pseudozonitis dianae: seasonal activity - early June to early August (14 records).