Cionus alauda

This record describes Cionus alauda (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

A small (3 mm) light coloured weevil with a distinctive dark brownish patch on the elytra behind the pronotum, and another near the tip. This species is relatively easy to identify and is unlikely to be confused with anything else. However a photo is required to confirm your record. Around Figwort, the foodplant for adults and larvae. Associated with Figwort, the food plan for both adults and larvae. Adults overwinter in the soil around the host plant and on emerging in the spring. A local species, fairly frequent in the southern half of Britain, becoming scarcer further north into Scotland.

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Curculionidae
Genus: Cionus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Around Figwort, the foodplant for adults and larvae.

Seasonal Activity

Late spring and summer.

Diet and Behavior

Life History

Associated with Figwort, the food plan for both adults and larvae. Adults overwinter in the soil around the host plant and on emerging in the spring.

Additional species information

Recorded status

A local species, fairly frequent in the southern half of Britain, becoming scarcer further north into Scotland.

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cionus alauda. 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.

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