Zamodes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Zamodes |
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Zamodes obscurus is a type of beetle. It belongs to the Cerambycidae family, also known as longhorn beetles. This beetle is very special because it's the only species in its group, called Zamodes.
A scientist named John Lawrence LeConte first described this beetle in 1873. He found just one single beetle in Pennsylvania. This one beetle is still kept at the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University. Since no other Zamodes obscurus beetles have ever been found, scientists believe it is now extinct. It belongs to a smaller group of beetles called Hesperophanini.
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What Did Zamodes obscurus Look Like?
Scientists know what Zamodes obscurus looked like from the single specimen found.
Its Head and Antennae
The beetle had a head that was a normal size. Its eyes were rough and had a deep notch. The mouthparts, called mandibles, were small and sharp. The antennae of the male beetle were a bit longer than its body. They had many small holes and fine, soft hairs. They also had long, standing-up hairs. The antennae were thicker at the base and got thinner towards the end.
Its Body and Legs
The middle part of its body, called the prothorax, was rounded on the sides. It was narrower at the back edge. The hard wing covers, called elytra, were straight and rounded at the tips. The beetle had strong legs. Its upper leg parts, called thighs, were flat and got thicker towards the end. The lower leg parts, called tibiae, were not ridged. The body of the beetle was covered with fine, short brown hairs. It also had longer, standing-up hairs mixed in.
Why Is This Beetle So Important?
Zamodes obscurus is very important to scientists. It is the only known member of its entire genus, Zamodes. This means it's a unique branch on the tree of life.
A Mystery of Extinction
The fact that only one specimen has ever been found makes this beetle a mystery. Scientists believe it is extinct because no others have been seen since 1873. This highlights how some species can disappear before we even know much about them. Studying this single specimen helps scientists understand more about beetles that lived in the past.
