Pseudozonitis vittipennis
This record describes Pseudozonitis vittipennis (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
not likely to be confused with any other species. It is the only species with shiny rugulose and obsolescently punctate elytra (Fig. 58). In all other species the elytra are distinctly, densely punctate (Fig 57). The uniformly yellow-orange head and pronotum, vittate elytra usually with a relatively wide discal vitta, and mandibles strongly curving from midlength are additional distinguishing characteristics. Pseudozonitis vittipennis is perhaps the most uniformly colored species in the genus. All specimens examined have a yellow- orange head and pronotum, and elytra with three yellow vittae which, for the most part, vary only slightly in width. The only deviant specimen is the single representative from California. Unlike conspecifics its venter is quite dark and the elytra are almost completely dark brown except for the narrow marginal and sutural vittae, and very narrow, streak-like discal vitta. Figs 57. P. vaurieae (Form A); 58. P. vittipennis Type Locality: Arizona
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.CA (Mojave Desert)-s.NV-sw.UT- to far wTX (Culberson & Hudspeth Cos.) - Map , plus a couple iNat observations from the high plains
Seasonal Activity
Aug-Oct (53 records)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pseudozonitis vittipennis (Horn 1875)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pseudozonitis vittipennis. 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 vittipennis (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pseudozonitis vittipennis
What is Pseudozonitis vittipennis?
Pseudozonitis vittipennis is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pseudozonitis vittipennis?
6-12 mm
How do you identify Pseudozonitis vittipennis?
not likely to be confused with any other species. It is the only species with shiny rugulose and obsolescently punctate elytra (Fig. 58). In all other species the elytra are distinctly, densely punctate (Fig 57). The uniformly yellow-orange head and pronotum, vittate elytra usually with a relatively wide discal vitta, and mandibles strongly curving from midlength are additional distinguishing characteristics. Pseudozonitis vittipennis is perhaps the most uniformly colored species in the genus. All specimens examined have a yellow- orange head and pronotum, and elytra with three yellow vittae which, for the most part, vary only slightly in width. The only deviant specimen is the single representative from California. Unlike conspecifics its venter is quite dark and the elytra are almost completely dark brown except for the narrow marginal and sutural vittae, and very narrow, streak-like discal vitta. Figs 57. P. vaurieae (Form A); 58. P. vittipennis
Where is Pseudozonitis vittipennis found?
Range: se.CA (Mojave Desert)-s.NV-sw.UT- to far wTX (Culberson & Hudspeth Cos.) - Map , plus a couple iNat observations from the high plains
When is Pseudozonitis vittipennis active?
Pseudozonitis vittipennis: seasonal activity - Aug-Oct (53 records).