Biology:Zopherus chilensis
{{Speciesbox | image = Makech.jpg | genus = Zopherus | species = chilensis | authority = Gray, 1832
| synonyms =
- Megazopherus chiliensis, Casey, 1907
- Megazopherus chilensis, Casey, 1907
- Zopherus bremei Guerin-Meneville, 1844
- Zopherus chiliensis Champion, 1884
- Zopherus insignis Blanchard, 1861
- Zopherus Moreletii (nomen nudem), Lucas, 1852
| synonyms_ref = [1] | display_parents = 3 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.[2]
Appearance
Z. chilensis is described "muted gold"[3] to "dull white"[2] in colour, with black blotches or tubercles on its back.[2][4] It is the largest species in the genus Zopherus, and grows between 34 and 46 mm in length; 13 to 17 mm in width.[2][4]
As living brooches
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.[2][3][4][5] The practice is at least a hundred years old.[5]
Life cycle, habitat, and diet
Z. chilensis lives in dead wood in arid forests and other similarly hot, dry, regions.[3][4] The larvae probably mine into this wood, and feed on fungus and lichen.[3][4] 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.[3][4]
References
- ↑ Charles A. Triplehorn (1972). "A review of the genus Zopherus of the world (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)" (PDF). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology. 108: 1–20.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Charles A. Triplehorn (1972). "A review of the genus Zopherus of the world (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)". Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology 108: 1–20. http://si-pddr.si.edu/dspace/bitstream/10088/5402/2/SCtZ-0108-Lo_res.pdf.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Magazine, Smithsonian; Jaggard, Victoria. "Meet the Makech, the Bedazzled Beetles Worn as Living Jewelry" (in en). https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/meet-makech-bedazzled-beetles-worn-living-jewelry-180955081/.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Hogue, Charles Leonard (1993-01-01) (in en). Latin American Insects and Entomology. University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-07849-9. https://books.google.com/books?id=3CTf8bnlndwC&dq=Zopherus+chilensis&pg=PA252.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Do People Really Wear Live, Jewel-Encrusted Beetles as Brooches?" (in en-US). https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/live-jeweled-beetles-as-brooches/.
Wikidata ☰ Q5990291 entry
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