Zopherus chilensis

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]

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]