Conotrachelus elegans
This record describes Conotrachelus elegans (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
- Molytinae
- Tribe
- Conotrachelini
- Genus
- Conotrachelus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Reared from Phylloxera galls on Carya sp.
Geographic Range
e. NA to NE‒TX - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: pecan, hickory ( 4 )
Life History
Pierce states: " C. elegans Boheman is a very important enemy of nuts. In Texas the first generation breed in the petioles and new shoots of hickory ( Carya ovata (=H. alba) ). Later individuals are found commonly in the leaf galls of Phylloxera devastatrix on pecan ( Carya illinoinensis (=H. pecan) ), and still later the species is bred from nuts of various species of Carya (=Hicoria) ."
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Conotrachelus elegans (Say 1831)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Conotrachelus elegans. 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 Conotrachelus elegans (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Ben Coulter , onegunah , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Conotrachelus elegans
How big is Conotrachelus elegans?
3.8‒5.1 mm
Where is Conotrachelus elegans found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Reared from Phylloxera galls on Carya sp. |
| Range | e. NA to NE‒TX - Map |
What does Conotrachelus elegans eat?
The diet of the Conotrachelus elegans includes hosts: pecan, hickory ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Conotrachelus elegans?
Pierce states: C. elegans Boheman is a very important enemy of nuts. In Texas the first generation breed in the petioles and new shoots of hickory ( Carya ovata (=H. alba) ). Later individuals are found commonly in the leaf galls of Phylloxera devastatrix on pecan ( Carya illinoinensis (=H. pecan) ), and still later the species is bred from nuts of various species of Carya (=Hicoria) .