Zonitis atripennis
This record describes Zonitis atripennis (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
elytra either yellow, yellow with black apex, or all black, the three known under the subspecific names of flavida LeConte, terminalis Enns, and atripennis , respectively. - atripennis (Say) - CO-WY-SD-n.TX - mostly CO (BG data) - flavida LeConte terminalis Enns - far sw.US - uncommon Abundant
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Meloidae (Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Nemognathinae
- Tribe
- Nemognathini
- Genus
- Zonitis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. US (ID-CA to sw.SD-KS-n.TX) - Map Enns
Seasonal Activity
May-Sep
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larval hosts: Nomia (and maybe Anthophora and Melissodes ); adults on Cleome flowers
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Zonitis atripennis. 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 Zonitis atripennis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jon Quist; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Zonitis atripennis
What is Zonitis atripennis?
Zonitis atripennis is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Zonitis atripennis?
6-12 mm
How do you identify Zonitis atripennis?
elytra either yellow, yellow with black apex, or all black, the three known under the subspecific names of flavida LeConte, terminalis Enns, and atripennis , respectively. - atripennis (Say) - CO-WY-SD-n.TX - mostly CO (BG data) - flavida LeConte terminalis Enns - far sw.US - uncommon
Where is Zonitis atripennis found?
Range: w. US (ID-CA to sw.SD-KS-n.TX) - Map Enns
What does Zonitis atripennis eat?
The diet of the Zonitis atripennis includes larval hosts: Nomia (and maybe Anthophora and Melissodes ); adults on Cleome flowers.
When is Zonitis atripennis active?
Zonitis atripennis: seasonal activity - May-Sep.