Zopherus sanctaehelenae
This record describes Zopherus sanctaehelenae (species). Recorded family: Zopheridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
last key couplet: Dorsal surface of elytra between tubercles shiny distinguished from all other North American species of the genus except opacus and the more strongly sculptured specimens of gracilis by the very fine, widely spaced elytral tubercles. From the latter two species it may be separated by the more robust body proportions. Triplehorn examined 23 spmns, all from Napa Co.
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
c.CA (Napa Co.) - Map
Seasonal Activity
late Feb-May
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Zopherus sanctaehelenae (Blaisdell 1931)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Zopherus sanctaehelenae. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zopherus sanctaehelenae
What is Zopherus sanctaehelenae?
Zopherus sanctaehelenae is a species in the family Zopheridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Zopherus sanctaehelenae?
13.0-21.0 mm
How do you identify Zopherus sanctaehelenae?
last key couplet: Dorsal surface of elytra between tubercles shiny distinguished from all other North American species of the genus except opacus and the more strongly sculptured specimens of gracilis by the very fine, widely spaced elytral tubercles. From the latter two species it may be separated by the more robust body proportions.
Where is Zopherus sanctaehelenae found?
Range: c.CA (Napa Co.) - Map
When is Zopherus sanctaehelenae active?
Zopherus sanctaehelenae: seasonal activity - late Feb-May.