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Zopherus chilensis
Species of beetle From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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]
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Appearance
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]
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.[1][2][3][4] The practice is at least a hundred years old.[4]
Life cycle, habitat, and diet
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]
References
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