Zonitis vittigera
This record describes Zonitis vittigera (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
light fulvous to dark ferruginous ( 3 )
Identification notes
light fulvous to dark ferruginous ( 3 )
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
Habitat
Found on flowers
Geographic Range
e. US (w.TX-FL-ON-MN) (BG data)
Seasonal Activity
mostly: May-Aug (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: vittigera (L). 'strip bearing'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Zonitis vittigera. 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 vittigera (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Zonitis vittigera
What is Zonitis vittigera?
Zonitis vittigera is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Zonitis vittigera?
7-12 mm
How do you identify Zonitis vittigera?
light fulvous to dark ferruginous ( 3 )
Where is Zonitis vittigera found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Found on flowers |
| Range | e. US (w.TX-FL-ON-MN) (BG data) |
When is Zonitis vittigera active?
Zonitis vittigera: seasonal activity - mostly: May-Aug (BG data).