Pseudozonitis vaurieae
This record describes Pseudozonitis vaurieae (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
enlarged eyes coupled with the cruciform maculation (Figs 37, 38) distinguishes Form A of P. vaurieae from congeners. See below for further separation from Form B. mostly at lights, no plant associations
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
sw US (sCA-swTX) & Mexico
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pseudozonitis vaurieae Enns 1956
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pseudozonitis vaurieae. 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 vaurieae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by margarethe brummermann; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Pseudozonitis vaurieae
What is Pseudozonitis vaurieae?
Pseudozonitis vaurieae is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pseudozonitis vaurieae?
7-18 mm
How do you identify Pseudozonitis vaurieae?
enlarged eyes coupled with the cruciform maculation (Figs 37, 38) distinguishes Form A of P. vaurieae from congeners. See below for further separation from Form B.
Where is Pseudozonitis vaurieae found?
Range: sw US (sCA-swTX) & Mexico