Anthonomus xanthoxyli
This record describes Anthonomus xanthoxyli (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance

Det. E.G. Riley, 2010 Type Locality: San Diego, Texas
Identification notes
Det. E.G. Riley, 2010
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
s. TX (Refugio & San Patricio Cos.) to Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Mar-Oct
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: lime pricklyash, colima ( Zanthoxylum fagara , Rutaceae); larvae develop in the fruit
Life History
Beaten in large numbers from Z. fagara in edge of palmetto thicket on Jun 27; from green seeds gathered on this date, 52 adults reared. On Aug 20, only a few specimens obtained by beating at the same place. Apparently breeds singly in the seeds. No parasites were bred. (Townsend 1902)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Anthonomus xanthoxyli Linell 1897
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anthonomus xanthoxyli. 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 xanthoxyli (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Anthonomus xanthoxyli
What is Anthonomus xanthoxyli?
Anthonomus xanthoxyli is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Anthonomus xanthoxyli?
♂ 2.1-2.5 mm, ♀ 2.3-2.7 mm
How do you identify Anthonomus xanthoxyli?
Det. E.G. Riley, 2010
Where is Anthonomus xanthoxyli found?
Range: s. TX (Refugio & San Patricio Cos.) to Mex. - Map
What does Anthonomus xanthoxyli eat?
The diet of the Anthonomus xanthoxyli includes host: lime pricklyash, colima ( Zanthoxylum fagara , Rutaceae); larvae develop in the fruit.
When is Anthonomus xanthoxyli active?
Anthonomus xanthoxyli: seasonal activity - mostly: Mar-Oct.
What is the life cycle of a Anthonomus xanthoxyli?
Beaten in large numbers from Z. fagara in edge of palmetto thicket on Jun 27; from green seeds gathered on this date, 52 adults reared. On Aug 20, only a few specimens obtained by beating at the same place. Apparently breeds singly in the seeds. No parasites were bred. (Townsend 1902)
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