Achrastenus griseus
This record describes Achrastenus griseus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Entiminae
- Tribe
- Eustylini
- Genus
- Achrastenus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Texas - Map , mostly se. TX
Seasonal Activity
mostly Mar-Apr ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: adults feed only on the buds of the peach, apple and pear trees ( 3 )
Life History
Mr. R. C. Howell, in studying the injuries of this species, reports that the adults feed only on the buds of the peach, apple and pear trees during March, April and early May, with the result that the trees are set back considerably and show a stunted appearance. Trees severely injured in 1903 were killed in 1904. It is very possible that this was from root injury by the same species. Eggs are laid in masses among the fallen dead leaves. Nothing further is known of the immature stages. The species is recorded from Lovelady, Texas, May 29, 1905, destroying peach buds; April 22, copulating on both peach and pear trees; from Tyler, Texas, April 25, 1905, copulating and feeding on buds of apple; May 2, on apple; May 3, ovipositing on leaves, females dying immediately after opposition; May 27, no weevils to be found. ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Achrastenus griseus Horn 1876
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Achrastenus griseus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Achrastenus griseus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Maury Heiman
Frequently Asked Questions About Achrastenus griseus
How big is Achrastenus griseus?
5-6 mm (Horn 1876)
Where is Achrastenus griseus found?
Range: Texas - Map , mostly se. TX
What does Achrastenus griseus eat?
The diet of the Achrastenus griseus includes adults feed only on the buds of the peach, apple and pear trees ( 3 ).
When is Achrastenus griseus active?
Achrastenus griseus: seasonal activity - mostly Mar-Apr ( 3 ) ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Achrastenus griseus?
Mr. R. C. Howell, in studying the injuries of this species, reports that the adults feed only on the buds of the peach, apple and pear trees during March, April and early May, with the result that the trees are set back considerably and show a stunted appearance. Trees severely injured in 1903 were killed in 1904. It is very possible that this was from root injury by the same species. Eggs are laid in masses among the fallen dead leaves. Nothing further is known of the immature stages. The species is recorded from Lovelady, Texas, May 29, 1905, destroying peach buds; April 22, copulating on both peach and pear trees; from Tyler, Texas, April 25, 1905, copulating and feeding on buds of apple; May 2, on apple; May 3, ovipositing on leaves, females dying immediately after opposition; May 27, no weevils to be found. ( 3 )