Zopherus gracilis
This record describes Zopherus gracilis (species). Recorded family: Zopheridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Entirely black; the smoothest sp. of Zopherus , with widely spaced, fine punctures & may have randomly incised, wavy lines. Northern populations, i.e. from Flagstaff & Grand Canyon area, may be more sculptured with slight tubercles, approaching the appearance of Z. uteanus . Type Locality: in the neighborhood of Fort Whipple, AZ
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
Habitat
Many taken at night on pines
Geographic Range
sw.UT-AZ-sw.NM / Mex. (n. Sonora) - Map , mostly Grand Canyon area to se. AZ; abundant in Chiricahua Mountains
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Dec , mostly Apr-Sept (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Zopherus gracilis Horn 1867
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Zopherus gracilis. 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 gracilis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Zopherus gracilis
What is Zopherus gracilis?
Zopherus gracilis is a species in the family Zopheridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Zopherus gracilis?
11.6-21.7 mm
How do you identify Zopherus gracilis?
Entirely black; the smoothest sp. of Zopherus , with widely spaced, fine punctures & may have randomly incised, wavy lines. Northern populations, i.e. from Flagstaff & Grand Canyon area, may be more sculptured with slight tubercles, approaching the appearance of Z. uteanus .
Where is Zopherus gracilis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Many taken at night on pines |
| Range | sw.UT-AZ-sw.NM / Mex. (n. Sonora) - Map , mostly Grand Canyon area to se. AZ; abundant in Chiricahua Mountains |
When is Zopherus gracilis active?
Zopherus gracilis: seasonal activity - Apr-Dec , mostly Apr-Sept (BG data).