Zopherus xestus
This record describes Zopherus xestus (species). Recorded family: Zopheridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished from other congeners by the trilobed callus on apical abdominal sternum: Holotype and 37 paratypes mostly from Big Bend National Park
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
w.TX (Big Bend NP and Davis Mts) , 1 record from Val Verde Co., TX , also singleton records from Terrell and Crocket counties
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Zopherus xestus Triplehorn 1972
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Zopherus xestus. 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 xestus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Zopherus xestus
What is Zopherus xestus?
Zopherus xestus is a species in the family Zopheridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Zopherus xestus?
16.8‒24.8mm
How do you identify Zopherus xestus?
Distinguished from other congeners by the trilobed callus on apical abdominal sternum:
Where is Zopherus xestus found?
Range: w.TX (Big Bend NP and Davis Mts) , 1 record from Val Verde Co., TX , also singleton records from Terrell and Crocket counties