Cowpea Curculio
Chalcodermus aeneus
This record describes Chalcodermus aeneus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2017
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Molytinae
- Tribe
- Sternechini
- Genus
- Chalcodermus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se. US (MD-FL to IN-TX) to Mesoamerica
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: a variety of plants, incl. several important crops
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chalcodermus aeneus Boheman 1837
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chalcodermus aeneus. 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 Cowpea Curculio (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Cowpea Curculio
How big is Cowpea Curculio?
4.8-5.5 mm
How do you identify Cowpea Curculio?
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2017
Where is Cowpea Curculio found?
Range: se. US (MD-FL to IN-TX) to Mesoamerica
What does Cowpea Curculio eat?
The diet of the Cowpea Curculio includes hosts: a variety of plants, incl. several important crops.