Anthonomus decipiens
This record describes Anthonomus decipiens (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
males (even if abraded) easily recognizable because of the distinctive shape of the metatibia (esp. the mucro) Pierce listed eleven combinations of color variations in a series of A. decipiens reared from the same host plant.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Curculioninae
- Tribe
- Anthonomini
- Genus
- Anthonomus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
CA to NE‒TX; Mexico - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: various Asteraceae
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Anthonomus decipiens LeConte 1876
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anthonomus decipiens. 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 Anthonomus decipiens (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Anthonomus decipiens
What is Anthonomus decipiens?
Anthonomus decipiens is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Anthonomus decipiens?
1.8‒2.2 mm
How do you identify Anthonomus decipiens?
males (even if abraded) easily recognizable because of the distinctive shape of the metatibia (esp. the mucro) Pierce listed eleven combinations of color variations in a series of A. decipiens reared from the same host plant.
Where is Anthonomus decipiens found?
Range: CA to NE‒TX; Mexico - Map
What does Anthonomus decipiens eat?
The diet of the Anthonomus decipiens includes hosts: various Asteraceae.