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]

Zopherus chilensis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Zopheridae
Subfamily: Zopherinae
Genus: Zopherus
Species:
Z. chilensis
Binomial name
Zopherus chilensis
Gray, 1832
Synonyms[1]
List
  • 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

Appearance

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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

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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

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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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  1. ^ a b c d e f Charles A. Triplehorn (1972). "A review of the genus Zopherus of the world (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)" (PDF). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology. 108: 1–20.
  2. ^ a b c d e Magazine, Smithsonian; Jaggard, Victoria. "Meet the Makech, the Bedazzled Beetles Worn as Living Jewelry". Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved 2022-08-18.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Hogue, Charles Leonard (1993-01-01). Latin American Insects and Entomology. University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-07849-9.
  4. ^ a b "Do People Really Wear Live, Jewel-Encrusted Beetles as Brooches?". Snopes.com. Retrieved 2022-08-18.