Zonitis punctipennis
This record describes Zonitis punctipennis (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body nude; elytra densely punctate (unlike in Z.dunniana and sayi in which punctures are separated usually by >2x their diameter). Sexually dimorphic: male all yellow, antennae, tips of mandibles + tarsi dark; female with appendages darker and elytra fuscous, vittate, or even black.
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
s. CA to w. TX, KS-sw.UT - Map Enns
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Zonitis punctipennis. 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 punctipennis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Zonitis punctipennis
What is Zonitis punctipennis?
Zonitis punctipennis is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Zonitis punctipennis?
Body nude; elytra densely punctate (unlike in Z.dunniana and sayi in which punctures are separated usually by >2x their diameter). Sexually dimorphic: male all yellow, antennae, tips of mandibles + tarsi dark; female with appendages darker and elytra fuscous, vittate, or even black.
Where is Zonitis punctipennis found?
Range: s. CA to w. TX, KS-sw.UT - Map Enns