Zilus horni
This record describes Zilus horni (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Natalia Vandenberg: combination of pubescent head+pronotum and glabrous elytra is characteristic of Zilus . Type Locality: Maryland, Piney Pt., Coll. Hubbard & Schwarz
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scymninae
- Tribe
- Scymnillini
- Genus
- Zilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
FL to MD, west to WI, plus disjunct LA records - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
many collected in LA on arborvitae, juniper, and cypress (Cypress Family - Cupressaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Zilus horni Gordon 1985
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Zilus horni. 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 Zilus horni (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , James Bailey , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Zilus horni
What is Zilus horni?
Zilus horni is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Zilus horni?
Length 1.4 to 1.6 mm
How do you identify Zilus horni?
Natalia Vandenberg: combination of pubescent head+pronotum and glabrous elytra is characteristic of Zilus .
Where is Zilus horni found?
Range: FL to MD, west to WI, plus disjunct LA records - Map
What is the life cycle of a Zilus horni?
many collected in LA on arborvitae, juniper, and cypress (Cypress Family - Cupressaceae)