Large Thistle Weevil
Cleonis pigra
This record describes Cleonis pigra (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elytra with double V-pattern. Rostrum with three sulci. Freshly emerged specimens covered with yellow, dusty secretion. introduced into NA prior to 1919 larvae parasitized by Acaenitus dubitator (Ichneumonidae) ( Shaw & Wahl 1989 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lixinae
- Tribe
- Cleonini
- Genus
- Cleonis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
farmlands, meadows
Geographic Range
native to the Palaearctic (common across Eurasia), adventive in NA (se.Canada & ne.US)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: various Asteraceae, incl. (within the native range) thistle ( Cirsium ), plumeless thistle ( Carduus ), Lesser Burdock ( Arctium minus ), Diffuse Knapweed ( Centaurea diffusa ), Bull Cottonthistle ( Onopordum tauricum ) ( 3 )
Life History
Larvae feed on roots and rhizomes
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cleonis pigra (Scopoli 1763)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cleonis pigra. 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 Large Thistle Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Large Thistle Weevil
What is Large Thistle Weevil?
Large Thistle Weevil (Cleonis pigra) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Large Thistle Weevil?
♂ 7.5-13.4 mm, ♀ 11.4-14.8 mm
How do you identify Large Thistle Weevil?
Elytra with double V-pattern. Rostrum with three sulci. Freshly emerged specimens covered with yellow, dusty secretion.
Where is Large Thistle Weevil found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | farmlands, meadows |
| Range | native to the Palaearctic (common across Eurasia), adventive in NA (se.Canada & ne.US) |
What does Large Thistle Weevil eat?
The diet of the Large Thistle Weevil includes hosts: various Asteraceae, incl. (within the native range) thistle ( Cirsium ), plumeless thistle ( Carduus ), Lesser Burdock ( Arctium minus ), Diffuse Knapweed ( Centaurea diffusa ), Bull Cottonthistle ( Onopordum tauricum ) ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Large Thistle Weevil?
Larvae feed on roots and rhizomes