Apleurus saginatus
This record describes Apleurus saginatus (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
- Lixinae
- Tribe
- Cleonini
- Genus
- Apleurus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
dry washes and riparian habitats in the desert-grassland transitional habitat bordering the eastern Sonoran desert region
Geographic Range
sw. NM & se. AZ into nw. Mexico
Seasonal Activity
throughout the year
Diet and Behavior
Diet: adults on Compositae; definite hosts unknown
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Apleurus (Apleurus) saginatus (Casey 1891) Latin 'plump, fattened'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Apleurus saginatus. 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 Apleurus saginatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Apleurus saginatus
How big is Apleurus saginatus?
♂ 15-20 mm, ♀ 16-22 mm
Where is Apleurus saginatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | dry washes and riparian habitats in the desert-grassland transitional habitat bordering the eastern Sonoran desert region |
| Range | sw. NM & se. AZ into nw. Mexico |
What does Apleurus saginatus eat?
The diet of the Apleurus saginatus includes adults on Compositae; definite hosts unknown.
When is Apleurus saginatus active?
Apleurus saginatus: seasonal activity - throughout the year.