Pseudozonitis roseomaculatis
This record describes Pseudozonitis roseomaculatis (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
distinguished by the large reddish subtrapezoidal macula on the pronotum (Fig. 51) and the relatively small eyes (Fig. 18) which do not reach the inner margin of the maxillae on the underside of the head. In addition, the femora usually are dark at the middle and light-colored at the base and apex; in a few the femora are entirely light. varies considerably in color. The elytra can be entirely black, entirely yellow or vittate. Of the 51 specimens recorded for elytral color 39, or 76%, are vittate with light-colored marginal, sutural and discal vittae; four individuals lack a sutural vitta; six are entirely black and two entirely yellow. When present, the discal vitta is quite narrow and usually darker than the sutural and marginal vittae. This variation is not obviously correlated with geography. All except the completely pallid phenotype occur in the type series from Bexar Co., Texas. The reddish trapezoidal mark on the pronotum varies in intensity. In a few it is only slightly darker than the surrounding yellow cuticle; in others it is deep red with black coloration along the midline. Fig. 51. P. roseomaculatis Type Locality: Bexar Co., TX
Identification notes
distinguished by the large reddish subtrapezoidal macula on the pronotum (Fig. 51) and the relatively small eyes (Fig. 18) which do not reach the inner margin of the maxillae on the underside of the head. In addition, the femora usually are dark at the middle and light-colored at the base and apex; in a few the femora are entirely light. ( 3 ) varies considerably in color. The elytra can be entirely black, entirely yellow or vittate. Of the 51 specimens recorded for elytral color 39, or 76%, are vittate with light-colored marginal, sutural and discal vittae; four individuals lack a sutural vitta; six are entirely black and two entirely yellow. When present, the discal vitta is quite narrow and usually darker than the sutural and marginal vittae. This variation is not obviously correlated with geography. All except the completely pallid phenotype occur in the type series from Bexar Co., Texas. ( 3 ) The reddish trapezoidal mark on the pronotum varies in intensity. In a few it is only slightly darker than the surrounding yellow cuticle; in others it is deep red with black coloration along the midline. ( 3 ) ( 3 ) Fig. 51. P. roseomaculatis
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
c. TX (New Braunfels) to Honduras
Seasonal Activity
late May - mid July (23 records) ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adult Associations - Three records indicate collection at light; also taken a single time on Condalia (Rhamnaceae) and Ceanothus (Rhamnaceae), respectively. ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pseudozonitis roseomaculatis Dillon 1952
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pseudozonitis roseomaculatis. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pseudozonitis roseomaculatis
What is Pseudozonitis roseomaculatis?
Pseudozonitis roseomaculatis is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pseudozonitis roseomaculatis?
8-13 mm
How do you identify Pseudozonitis roseomaculatis?
distinguished by the large reddish subtrapezoidal macula on the pronotum (Fig. 51) and the relatively small eyes (Fig. 18) which do not reach the inner margin of the maxillae on the underside of the head. In addition, the femora usually are dark at the middle and light-colored at the base and apex; in a few the femora are entirely light. ( 3 ) varies considerably in color. The elytra can be entirely black, entirely yellow or vittate. Of the 51 specimens recorded for elytral color 39, or 76%, are vittate with light-colored marginal, sutural and discal vittae; four individuals lack a sutural vitta; six are entirely black and two entirely yellow. When present, the discal vitta is quite narrow and usually darker than the sutural and marginal vittae. This variation is not obviously correlated with geography. All except the completely pallid phenotype occur in the type series from Bexar Co., Texas. ( 3 ) The reddish trapezoidal mark on the pronotum varies in intensity. In a few it is only slightly darker than the surrounding yellow cuticle; in others it is deep red with black coloration along the midline. ( 3 ) ( 3 ) Fig. 51. P. roseomaculatis
Where is Pseudozonitis roseomaculatis found?
Range: c. TX (New Braunfels) to Honduras
When is Pseudozonitis roseomaculatis active?
Pseudozonitis roseomaculatis: seasonal activity - late May - mid July (23 records) ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Pseudozonitis roseomaculatis?
Adult Associations - Three records indicate collection at light; also taken a single time on Condalia (Rhamnaceae) and Ceanothus (Rhamnaceae), respectively. ( 3 )