ColeopteraZopheridae – Ironclad Beetles

Zopherus opacus 0

Zopherus opacus

This record describes Zopherus opacus (species). Recorded family: Zopheridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

last key couplet: Dorsal surface of elytra between tubercles dull, opaque most like Z. uteanus Casey but also bears some resemblance to Z. granicollis ventriosus . It displays by far the dullest surface luster of any known member of the genus and should be easily recognized. Type Locality: Nevada (no specific locality) Triplehorn examined 21 spmns

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

CA-NV-UT

Seasonal Activity

late Feb to mid Aug

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Zopherus opacus Horn, 1867

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Zopherus opacus. 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Zopherus opacus 0

What is Zopherus opacus 0?

Zopherus opacus 0 (Zopherus opacus) is a species in the family Zopheridae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Zopherus opacus 0?

Length 13.0-20.3 mm

How do you identify Zopherus opacus 0?

last key couplet: Dorsal surface of elytra between tubercles dull, opaque most like Z. uteanus Casey but also bears some resemblance to Z. granicollis ventriosus . It displays by far the dullest surface luster of any known member of the genus and should be easily recognized.

Where is Zopherus opacus 0 found?

Range: CA-NV-UT

When is Zopherus opacus 0 active?

Zopherus opacus 0: seasonal activity - late Feb to mid Aug.