Zopherus championi
This record describes Zopherus championi (species). Recorded family: Zopheridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Triplehorn's last couplet: Pronotum with lateral white borders having only a few minute flecks of black; apical elytral ridges broadly in contact with raised sutural ridge; lateral areas of elytra more white than black; length 12-15 mm Triplehorn reports a few US spmns taken in Sanderson, Terrell Co., Texas, in June & August
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Zopheridae (Ironclad Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Zopherinae
- Tribe
- Zopherini
- Genus
- Zopherus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw. TX to n. Mex. - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Zopherus championi Triplehorn, 1972
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Zopherus championi. 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 Zopherus championi (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Zopherus championi
What is Zopherus championi?
Zopherus championi is a species in the family Zopheridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Zopherus championi?
11.9-15.1 mm
How do you identify Zopherus championi?
Triplehorn's last couplet: Pronotum with lateral white borders having only a few minute flecks of black; apical elytral ridges broadly in contact with raised sutural ridge; lateral areas of elytra more white than black; length 12-15 mm
Where is Zopherus championi found?
Range: sw. TX to n. Mex. - Map