Aphrastus unicolor
This record describes Aphrastus unicolor (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
- Phyllobiini
- Genus
- Aphrastus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
TX / ne. Mex. - Map , mostly c. to s. TX
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Jun ( 3 ) , extremely abundant at Austin [County], Texas, in June (Casey, 1888)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Common on Mistletoe ( Phoradendron tomentosum ) in 1980. (Whittaker 1984) Heavy infestation on black-eyed peas and melons in Karnes and Wilson Counties, Texas. Lays its eggs in clusters on cotton and other plants.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Aphrastus unicolor Horn, 1876
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Aphrastus unicolor. 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 Aphrastus unicolor (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Chuck Sexton
Frequently Asked Questions About Aphrastus unicolor
Where is Aphrastus unicolor found?
Range: TX / ne. Mex. - Map , mostly c. to s. TX
What does Aphrastus unicolor eat?
The diet of the Aphrastus unicolor includes Common on Mistletoe ( Phoradendron tomentosum ) in 1980. (Whittaker 1984) Heavy infestation on black-eyed peas and melons in Karnes and Wilson Counties, Texas. Lays its eggs in clusters on cotton and other plants..
When is Aphrastus unicolor active?
Aphrastus unicolor: seasonal activity - Apr-Jun ( 3 ) , extremely abundant at Austin [County], Texas, in June (Casey, 1888).