Conotrachelus leucophaeatus
This record describes Conotrachelus leucophaeatus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type locality: Mexico most frequently observed at lights ( 5 )
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
Geographic Range
AZ-TX-SD-CO to s.Mex. - Map , abundant in TX
Seasonal Activity
most common Apr-May ( 5 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: frequently taken on Snow on the Mountain ( Euphorbia marginata , Euphorbiaceae) in Texas and Kansas. Pierce reports that it breeds in the stems of this weed, the larvae being present throughout the summer. a second definite host is Argemone (Papaveraceae), prickly poppy, specimens having been bred from this plant by S. G. Kelly at Manhattan, Kansas. It has also been collected on Argemone mexicana by R. A. Cushman at Halletsville, Texas. However beetle's range more closely matches the range of Crested Pricklypoppy ( Argemone polyanthemos ) other specimen records reveal that this sp. frequents cotton and milkweed: "Asclepias sp."
Life History
larvae bore into roots and stems, adults eat all parts of host ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Conotrachelus leucophaeatus Fåhraeus 1837
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Conotrachelus leucophaeatus. 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 leucophaeatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Conotrachelus leucophaeatus
What is Conotrachelus leucophaeatus?
Conotrachelus leucophaeatus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Conotrachelus leucophaeatus?
Length: 3.8-5.4 mm
Where is Conotrachelus leucophaeatus found?
Range: AZ-TX-SD-CO to s.Mex. - Map , abundant in TX
What does Conotrachelus leucophaeatus eat?
The diet of the Conotrachelus leucophaeatus includes frequently taken on Snow on the Mountain ( Euphorbia marginata , Euphorbiaceae) in Texas and Kansas. Pierce reports that it breeds in the stems of this weed, the larvae being present throughout the summer. a second definite host is Argemone (Papaveraceae), prickly poppy, specimens having been bred from this plant by S. G. Kelly at Manhattan, Kansas. It has also been collected on Argemone mexicana by R. A. Cushman at Halletsville, Texas. However beetle's range more closely matches the range of Crested Pricklypoppy ( Argemone polyanthemos ) other specimen records reveal that this sp. frequents cotton and milkweed: Asclepias sp..
When is Conotrachelus leucophaeatus active?
Conotrachelus leucophaeatus: seasonal activity - most common Apr-May ( 5 ).
What is the life cycle of a Conotrachelus leucophaeatus?
larvae bore into roots and stems, adults eat all parts of host ( 6 )