Pecan Weevil
Curculio caryae
This record describes Curculio caryae (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
- Curculioninae
- Tribe
- Curculionini
- Genus
- Curculio (Nut and Acorn Weevils)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e NA (QC-FL to ON-NE-TX) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Only 2-3 of the larvae survive and will devour the nut meat within a month. Mature larvae enter the soil and remain until the 2nd summer, then they pupate. ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Curculio caryae Horn 1873
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Curculio caryae. 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 Pecan Weevil (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Robert Lord Zimlich , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Weevil
How big is Pecan Weevil?
7.5-12.0 mm
Where is Pecan Weevil found?
Range: e NA (QC-FL to ON-NE-TX) - Map
What is the life cycle of a Pecan Weevil?
Only 2-3 of the larvae survive and will devour the nut meat within a month. Mature larvae enter the soil and remain until the 2nd summer, then they pupate. ( 5 )