Anthonomus texanus
This record describes Anthonomus texanus (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
- Curculioninae
- Tribe
- Anthonomini
- Genus
- Anthonomus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ to w. TX / c. Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
on plants Apr-Sept in ground trash around cotton fields Jan-Feb
Diet and Behavior
Diet: common on globemallow - Sphaeralcea spp. (Malvaceae)
Life History
develops in flower buds (H. R. Burke, pers comm. to MAQ 2015)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Anthonomus (Anthonomorphus) texanus Dietz 1891
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anthonomus texanus. 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 texanus (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Anthonomus texanus
How big is Anthonomus texanus?
3.2-4.8 mm
Where is Anthonomus texanus found?
Range: AZ to w. TX / c. Mex. - Map
What does Anthonomus texanus eat?
The diet of the Anthonomus texanus includes common on globemallow - Sphaeralcea spp. (Malvaceae).
When is Anthonomus texanus active?
Anthonomus texanus: seasonal activity - on plants Apr-Sept in ground trash around cotton fields Jan-Feb.
What is the life cycle of a Anthonomus texanus?
develops in flower buds (H. R. Burke, pers comm. to MAQ 2015)