Golden-headed Weevil
Compsus auricephalus
This record describes Compsus auricephalus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
habitus distinctive among N. Amer. weevils two recognized morphotypes: the typical green form, with pink to cupreous head and part of the legs and the uniformly white to pale brown form. ( 3 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Entiminae
- Tribe
- Eustylini
- Genus
- Compsus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
mostly sc US (TX-MS, OK-AR) / e. Mex. to Panama - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: adults feed on foliage of woody plants, pest of citrus ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: auricephalus (L). 'golden-headed'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Compsus auricephalus. 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 Golden-headed Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Graham M , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Golden-headed Weevil
What is Golden-headed Weevil?
Golden-headed Weevil (Compsus auricephalus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Golden-headed Weevil?
12-13 mm
How do you identify Golden-headed Weevil?
habitus distinctive among N. Amer. weevils two recognized morphotypes: the typical green form, with pink to cupreous head and part of the legs and the uniformly white to pale brown form. ( 3 )
Where is Golden-headed Weevil found?
Range: mostly sc US (TX-MS, OK-AR) / e. Mex. to Panama - Map
What does Golden-headed Weevil eat?
The diet of the Golden-headed Weevil includes adults feed on foliage of woody plants, pest of citrus ( 6 ).