Conotrachelus neomexicanus
This record describes Conotrachelus neomexicanus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Holotype Pattern distinctive, body more elongate than usual (resembling Pissodes sp. )
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
Pine forests
Geographic Range
c. & sw.US, throughout the range of Pinus ponderosa
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Eggs are laid in second-year cones from May through July. Larvae mine extensively in the cones and drop to the ground for pupation in the soil. Adults emerge from the soil in late summer and early fall, return to the trees to feed on twigs, and presumably hibernate in sheltered locations during the winter.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Conotrachelus neomexicanus Fall 1913
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Conotrachelus neomexicanus. 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 neomexicanus (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Boris Bueche
Frequently Asked Questions About Conotrachelus neomexicanus
What is Conotrachelus neomexicanus?
Conotrachelus neomexicanus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Conotrachelus neomexicanus?
Holotype Pattern distinctive, body more elongate than usual (resembling Pissodes sp. )
Where is Conotrachelus neomexicanus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Pine forests |
| Range | c. & sw.US, throughout the range of Pinus ponderosa |
What is the life cycle of a Conotrachelus neomexicanus?
Eggs are laid in second-year cones from May through July. Larvae mine extensively in the cones and drop to the ground for pupation in the soil. Adults emerge from the soil in late summer and early fall, return to the trees to feed on twigs, and presumably hibernate in sheltered locations during the winter.