Pseudozonitis vigilans
This record describes Pseudozonitis vigilans (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elytral color pattern is the most obvious feature which varies. Figs. 2. P. vigilans (pallid form); 3. P. vigilans (vittate form)
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
s.CA-s.AZ / Baja Calif. Sur
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adult associations - Six of the 28 collections labeled as taken at light. There are no plant records.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pseudozonitis vigilans (Fall)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pseudozonitis vigilans. 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 vigilans (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pseudozonitis vigilans
What is Pseudozonitis vigilans?
Pseudozonitis vigilans is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pseudozonitis vigilans?
7-14 mm (N = 11)
How do you identify Pseudozonitis vigilans?
Elytral color pattern is the most obvious feature which varies. Figs. 2. P. vigilans (pallid form); 3. P. vigilans (vittate form)
Where is Pseudozonitis vigilans found?
Range: s.CA-s.AZ / Baja Calif. Sur
What is the life cycle of a Pseudozonitis vigilans?
Adult associations - Six of the 28 collections labeled as taken at light. There are no plant records.