Zonitis bilineata
This record describes Zonitis bilineata (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
thickness of black elytral strip variable from abscent to nearly encompassing each elytron.
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
e. NA to UT, uncommon across the Gulf states - Map
Seasonal Activity
Jul-Aug (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Zonitis bilineata Say 1817
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Zonitis bilineata. 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 bilineata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Zonitis bilineata
What is Zonitis bilineata?
Zonitis bilineata is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Zonitis bilineata?
thickness of black elytral strip variable from abscent to nearly encompassing each elytron.
Where is Zonitis bilineata found?
Range: e. NA to UT, uncommon across the Gulf states - Map
When is Zonitis bilineata active?
Zonitis bilineata: seasonal activity - Jul-Aug (BG data).