Zopherus chilensis | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Scientific classification
![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Coleoptera |
Infraorder: | Cucujiformia |
Family: | Zopheridae |
Subfamily: | Zopherinae |
Genus: | Zopherus |
Species: | Z. chilensis
|
Binomial name | |
Zopherus chilensis
Gray, 1832
| |
Synonyms [1] | |
List
|
![]() | You can help expand this article with text translated from
the corresponding article in Spanish. Click [show] for important translation instructions.
|
Zopherus chilensis, also commonly known as the ma'kech or jewelled bug, is a species of ironclad beetle in the family Zopheridae. Despite the name "chilensis", nearly all of the known specimens have been found from Mexico to Venezuela. [1]
Z. chilensis is described "muted gold" [2] to "dull white" [1] in colour, with black blotches or tubercles on its back. [1] [3] It is the largest species in the genus Zopherus, and grows between 34 and 46 mm in length; 13 to 17 mm in width. [1] [3]
In the Yucatán Peninsula, locals collect specimens of Z. chilensis and attach to their backs rhinestones, pearls, chenille, and small baubles. The beetle is then attached to a small golden leash and worn as jewellery or, more frequently in modern times, sold to tourists. [1] [2] [3] [4] The practice is at least a hundred years old. [4]
Z. chilensis lives in dead wood in arid forests and other similarly hot, dry, regions. [2] [3] The larvae probably mine into this wood, and feed on fungus and lichen. [2] [3] Adults are found underneath bark and logs, and are noted for their ability to survive for long periods of time with little or no food. [2] [3]
Zopherus chilensis | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Scientific classification
![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Coleoptera |
Infraorder: | Cucujiformia |
Family: | Zopheridae |
Subfamily: | Zopherinae |
Genus: | Zopherus |
Species: | Z. chilensis
|
Binomial name | |
Zopherus chilensis
Gray, 1832
| |
Synonyms [1] | |
List
|
![]() | You can help expand this article with text translated from
the corresponding article in Spanish. Click [show] for important translation instructions.
|
Zopherus chilensis, also commonly known as the ma'kech or jewelled bug, is a species of ironclad beetle in the family Zopheridae. Despite the name "chilensis", nearly all of the known specimens have been found from Mexico to Venezuela. [1]
Z. chilensis is described "muted gold" [2] to "dull white" [1] in colour, with black blotches or tubercles on its back. [1] [3] It is the largest species in the genus Zopherus, and grows between 34 and 46 mm in length; 13 to 17 mm in width. [1] [3]
In the Yucatán Peninsula, locals collect specimens of Z. chilensis and attach to their backs rhinestones, pearls, chenille, and small baubles. The beetle is then attached to a small golden leash and worn as jewellery or, more frequently in modern times, sold to tourists. [1] [2] [3] [4] The practice is at least a hundred years old. [4]
Z. chilensis lives in dead wood in arid forests and other similarly hot, dry, regions. [2] [3] The larvae probably mine into this wood, and feed on fungus and lichen. [2] [3] Adults are found underneath bark and logs, and are noted for their ability to survive for long periods of time with little or no food. [2] [3]