Plum Gouger
Coccotorus scutellaris
This record describes Coccotorus scutellaris (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Curculioninae
- Tribe
- Anthonomini
- Genus
- Coccotorus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (NH-FL to MB-CO-w.TX) - Map , mostly sc US
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Nov.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hard types of plum, larvae feed in the pit ( 4 ) ; primarily attacks native plums, although adults may feed on buds/blossoms of peaches and plums ( 5 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Coccotorus scutellaris. 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 Plum Gouger (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Plum Gouger
How big is Plum Gouger?
5-6 mm
Where is Plum Gouger found?
Range: e. US (NH-FL to MB-CO-w.TX) - Map , mostly sc US
What does Plum Gouger eat?
The diet of the Plum Gouger includes hard types of plum, larvae feed in the pit ( 4 ) ; primarily attacks native plums, although adults may feed on buds/blossoms of peaches and plums ( 5 ).
When is Plum Gouger active?
Plum Gouger: seasonal activity - Mar-Nov..