Aspidapion radiolus
This record describes Aspidapion radiolus (species). Recorded family: Apionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
2.7 to 3 mm. Head and pronotum black with weak metallic elytra. The rostrum is around 1.25x longer than the pronotum. There is no deep longitudinal impression on the frons (as found in A. aenum ). The scutellum is a key character having a pair of raised bosses at the base and a raised tip. Only Aspidapion soror shares this feature and that species is only found on Marsh Mallow. A. aenum has a deep longitudinal groove on the frons A. soror has a rostrum the same length as the pronotum and is generally only found on Marsh Mallow. 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. Found on plants of the Mallow family including Hollyhocks. From May onwards peaking in mid September. A locally common and often abundant species throughout England and Wales becoming less common further north into Scotland.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Apionidae (Primitive Weevils)
- Subfamily
- Apioninae
- Tribe
- Aspidapiini
- Genus
- Aspidapion
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found on plants of the Mallow family including Hollyhocks.
Seasonal Activity
From May onwards peaking in mid September.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A locally common and often abundant species throughout England and Wales becoming less common further north into Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Aspidapion radiolus. 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 Aspidapion radiolus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Aspidapion radiolus
What is Aspidapion radiolus?
Aspidapion radiolus is a species in the family Apionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Aspidapion radiolus?
as the pronotum and is generally only found on Marsh Mallow.
Where is Aspidapion radiolus found?
Habitat: Found on plants of the Mallow family including Hollyhocks.
When is Aspidapion radiolus active?
Aspidapion radiolus: seasonal activity - From May onwards peaking in mid September..