Pseudozonitis martini
This record describes Pseudozonitis martini (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
non-bulged, relatively small eyes, uniformly colored elytra, transverse pronotum, uniformly dark mandibles and light-colored body setation separate P. martini from congeners. It is closest to P. dianae , with which it has been confused. They are easily separated by color and curvature of the mandibles, shape and dimensions of the pronotum, body setation color and male genitalia. Fig. 49. P. martini Type Locality: New Mexico: Engle; v-1902
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
Habitat
deserts of sw.US
Geographic Range
se.CA to sw.TX (Presidio & Starr Cos.)
Seasonal Activity
mid March - mid May (10 records)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adult associations Collected twice on Prosopis (Fabaceae) and once on Sphaeralcea (Malvaceae). There are no records from light.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pseudozonitis martini (Fall)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pseudozonitis martini. 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 martini (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pseudozonitis martini
What is Pseudozonitis martini?
Pseudozonitis martini is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pseudozonitis martini?
7-12 mm
How do you identify Pseudozonitis martini?
non-bulged, relatively small eyes, uniformly colored elytra, transverse pronotum, uniformly dark mandibles and light-colored body setation separate P. martini from congeners. It is closest to P. dianae , with which it has been confused. They are easily separated by color and curvature of the mandibles, shape and dimensions of the pronotum, body setation color and male genitalia. Fig. 49. P. martini
Where is Pseudozonitis martini found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | deserts of sw.US |
| Range | se.CA to sw.TX (Presidio & Starr Cos.) |
When is Pseudozonitis martini active?
Pseudozonitis martini: seasonal activity - mid March - mid May (10 records).
What is the life cycle of a Pseudozonitis martini?
Adult associations Collected twice on Prosopis (Fabaceae) and once on Sphaeralcea (Malvaceae). There are no records from light.