Palm Seed Weevil
Caryobruchus gleditsiae
This record describes Caryobruchus gleditsiae (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bruchinae
- Tribe
- Pachymerini
- Genus
- Caryobruchus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
coastal se US: NC to Mex. / W. Indies - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: seeds of Cabbage Palmetto and many other palms
Life History
palm fruits fall to the ground usually intact and the smooth seeds (endocarp) of Sabal species are only oviposited upon by C. gleditsiae after the exocarp and mesocarp are removed, probably by rodents (Johnson & Romero 2004)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Caryobruchus gleditsiae (Linnaeus 1767)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Caryobruchus gleditsiae. 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 Palm Seed Weevil (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Hollenbeck; Additional contributions by Joshua Stuart Rose , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Palm Seed Weevil
How big is Palm Seed Weevil?
5-10 mm, the largest bruchid in the US
Where is Palm Seed Weevil found?
Range: coastal se US: NC to Mex. / W. Indies - Map
What does Palm Seed Weevil eat?
The diet of the Palm Seed Weevil includes seeds of Cabbage Palmetto and many other palms.
What is the life cycle of a Palm Seed Weevil?
palm fruits fall to the ground usually intact and the smooth seeds (endocarp) of Sabal species are only oviposited upon by C. gleditsiae after the exocarp and mesocarp are removed, probably by rodents (Johnson & Romero 2004)