Coffee Bean Weevil
Araecerus fasciculatus
This record describes Araecerus fasciculatus (species). Recorded family: Anthribidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
tibiae with three pale rings is diagnostic
Wikipedia reference for Araecerus fasciculatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Araecerus_fasciculatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Anthribidae (Fungus Weevils)
- Subfamily
- Choraginae
- Tribe
- Araecerini
- Genus
- Araecerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
worldwide - Map in tropical/subtropical regions (both in the field and in storage) and in temperate regions (unable to overwinter outside heated facilities) ; in our area, established in se. US (NC-FL-TX): "Since the genus centers in southeast Asia, I can not be certain of its potential for spread in the US. What appear to be established populations occur from NC to FL to TX; and I've seen specimens from MA to BC. It can and does show up almost anywhere, carried by commerce." (Barry Valentine, pers.comm., 14.vii.2009)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Has attacked developing oranges in Lake Co., FL, causing premature fruit drop. In New Orleans, extremely abundant in and around coffee bean warehouses. In Orange Co., CA, it attacked the live branches of apple trees. In Louisiana, it breeds and overwinters in corn stubble left after harvesting. It has even been reared from strychnine beans. ( 3 ) I reared two generations on fresh oranges - the larvae eating the rind. It is a generalist on (usually) dried plant materials. (Barry Valentine, pers.comm., 14.vii.2009)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Araecerus fasciculatus (DeGeer 1775)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Araecerus fasciculatus. 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 Coffee Bean Weevil (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Bean Weevil
What is Coffee Bean Weevil?
Coffee Bean Weevil (Araecerus fasciculatus) is a species in the family Anthribidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Coffee Bean Weevil?
3.0–4.3 mm
How do you identify Coffee Bean Weevil?
tibiae with three pale rings is diagnostic
Where is Coffee Bean Weevil found?
Range: worldwide - Map in tropical/subtropical regions (both in the field and in storage) and in temperate regions (unable to overwinter outside heated facilities) ; in our area, established in se. US (NC-FL-TX): Since the genus centers in southeast Asia, I can not be certain of its potential for spread in the US. What appear to be established populations occur from NC to FL to TX; and I've seen specimens from MA to BC. It can and does show up almost anywhere, carried by commerce. (Barry Valentine, pers.comm., 14.vii.2009)
What does Coffee Bean Weevil eat?
The diet of the Coffee Bean Weevil includes Has attacked developing oranges in Lake Co., FL, causing premature fruit drop. In New Orleans, extremely abundant in and around coffee bean warehouses. In Orange Co., CA, it attacked the live branches of apple trees. In Louisiana, it breeds and overwinters in corn stubble left after harvesting. It has even been reared from strychnine beans. ( 3 ) I reared two generations on fresh oranges - the larvae eating the rind. It is a generalist on (usually) dried plant materials. (Barry Valentine, pers.comm., 14.vii.2009).