Banana Root Borer
Cosmopolites sordidus
This record describes Cosmopolites sordidus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
one of the most serious insect pests of bananas; earliest record in our area: FL 1917[Cite:185010]
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dryophthorinae
- Tribe
- Rhynchophorini
- Genus
- Cosmopolites
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
nearly all banana-growing areas of the world[Cite:185010]; adventive in NA (FL)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: associated with banana trees ( Musa sapientum ), larvae mine stem & corm
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar 1824)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cosmopolites sordidus. 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 Banana Root Borer (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Root Borer
What is Banana Root Borer?
Banana Root Borer (Cosmopolites sordidus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Banana Root Borer?
~11 mm[Cite:185010]
Where is Banana Root Borer found?
Range: nearly all banana-growing areas of the world[Cite:185010]; adventive in NA (FL)
What does Banana Root Borer eat?
The diet of the Banana Root Borer includes associated with banana trees ( Musa sapientum ), larvae mine stem & corm.