Apion frumentarium
This record describes Apion frumentarium (species). Recorded family: Apionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | 2.5 to 4.5mm. Distinguished from other red Apion species by the head structure; completely punctate, including the underside, between eyes and prothorax side margin, this punctuation being similar to that on pronotum. |
| Head | Head long, with temples subparallel and at least one and a half times longer than the eye when viewed from above ( A. cruentatum ). |
| Eyes | Eyes and claws black otherwise completely red/orange and clothed with sparse creamy white pubescence. Male rostrum broadest subapically and shining in apical half, in female broadest at antennal insertion and with apical half more shining. Unless identified by a recognised expert, photographic evidence is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used. Note the beetle's size and describe the identifying characters. It is advisable to retain the specimen in case further checks are needed. On the leaves of larger Docks. Adults are active during warm weather on the underside of leaves. Mainly from April until early June but sometimes occuring later in the year. Common across England, Wales and southern Scotland. |
Wikipedia reference for Apion frumentarium: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apion_frumentarium.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Apionidae (Primitive Weevils)
- Subfamily
- Apioninae
- Tribe
- Apionini
- Genus
- Apion
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
On the leaves of larger Docks. Adults are active during warm weather on the underside of leaves.
Seasonal Activity
Mainly from April until early June but sometimes occuring later in the year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common across England, Wales and southern Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Apion frumentarium. 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 Apion frumentarium (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Apion frumentarium
What is Apion frumentarium?
Apion frumentarium is a species in the family Apionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Apion frumentarium found?
Habitat: On the leaves of larger Docks. Adults are active during warm weather on the underside of leaves.
When is Apion frumentarium active?
Apion frumentarium: seasonal activity - Mainly from April until early June but sometimes occuring later in the year..