Anthonomus ligatus
This record describes Anthonomus ligatus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
distinguished by the slender body, the generally distinct mid-dorsal and posterolateral elytral maculae, the broadly curved metatibia and large, oblique metatibial mucro in males Type Locality: Arizona
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
sw US (s.CA-c.TX, UT) / Mex. - Map , most records s. to c. TX
Seasonal Activity
Common in fall (H.R. Burke, pers. comm., 2012 to MAQ)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Mexican Devilweed ( Chloracantha spinosa , Asteraceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Anthonomus ligatus Dietz 1891
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anthonomus ligatus. 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 ligatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Anthonomus ligatus
What is Anthonomus ligatus?
Anthonomus ligatus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Anthonomus ligatus?
2.3-3.0 mm
How do you identify Anthonomus ligatus?
distinguished by the slender body, the generally distinct mid-dorsal and posterolateral elytral maculae, the broadly curved metatibia and large, oblique metatibial mucro in males
Where is Anthonomus ligatus found?
Range: sw US (s.CA-c.TX, UT) / Mex. - Map , most records s. to c. TX
What does Anthonomus ligatus eat?
The diet of the Anthonomus ligatus includes Mexican Devilweed ( Chloracantha spinosa , Asteraceae).
When is Anthonomus ligatus active?
Anthonomus ligatus: seasonal activity - Common in fall (H.R. Burke, pers. comm., 2012 to MAQ).