Zopherus tristis
This record describes Zopherus tristis (species). Recorded family: Zopheridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Entire dorsum black, with flattened elytral tubercles whose hind margins are more or less truncate; apex of elytra narrows abruptly, and descends more steeply than in other species. Pronotum with coarse punctures (some may have coarsely granulate punctures, similar to Z. granicollis )
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
In CA, found under the bark of desert trees, including Tamarix
Geographic Range
sw.US (CA‒TX); Mexico (Baja California, Sonora)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Zopherus tristis LeConte 1851
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Zopherus tristis. 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 tristis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Zopherus tristis
What is Zopherus tristis?
Zopherus tristis is a species in the family Zopheridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Zopherus tristis?
10.5‒22mm
How do you identify Zopherus tristis?
Entire dorsum black, with flattened elytral tubercles whose hind margins are more or less truncate; apex of elytra narrows abruptly, and descends more steeply than in other species. Pronotum with coarse punctures (some may have coarsely granulate punctures, similar to Z. granicollis )
Where is Zopherus tristis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | In CA, found under the bark of desert trees, including Tamarix |
| Range | sw.US (CA‒TX); Mexico (Baja California, Sonora) |