 |
|
 |
|
|
 Identification Scientific Name: Zopherus chilensis Common Names: Ma'kech Classification Class: Insecta Order: Coleoptera Family: Tenebrionidae Genus: Zopherus Species: chilensis |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Habitat
The territory of the Zopherus chilensis species extends from southern Mexico to Venezuela and Colombia.
Profile
The elytra of the Ma'kech, like those of most other darkling beetles of the genus Zopherus are extremely thick. Of a firm, wax-like consistency, they can be easily carved with a sharp tool.
Yucatan natives are known to hunt darkling beetles in order to make living jewellery out of them (in the real sense of the term). They make tiny notches in the elytra of Ma'kech beetles and set decorative stones in them. They then attach the beetle to a small chain linked to a brooch that is pinned on clothing. A very original piece of jewellery that turns many a head!
Detritivore, both larvae and adults of the Zopherus genus feed on the organic matter they find under the bark of dead and decaying trees.
A number of animal rights groups have voiced concern over the use of these insects as live jewellery. However, this practice is an age-old custom among the people in these countries and it would be very difficult to put an end to it. As any responsible pet owner, it is up to the people who purchase a Ma'kech to feed it and keep it in a well-heated vivarium when not wearing it on their lapel. Under these conditions, the beetle will live much longer than it would in the wild.
Some customs officers would undoubtedly also like to see the practice curtailed. Indeed, it is forbidden to carry live insects over the border of many countries. Even though numerous tourists bring back a Ma'kech in their luggage, the chances of their " pet jewel " proliferating in its host country and making a nuisance of itself is highly unlikely. Remember, deep down, a Ma'kech is really a Mayan prince . . .
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
||||