Small Chestnut Weevil
Curculio sayi
This record describes Curculio sayi (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
See Remarks. The Greater Chestnut Weevil is Curculio caryatrypes and it is easily recognized as its the only Curculio with segment two of the antennal funicule (the part beyond the elbow) longer than segment 1. In Lesser Chestnut Weevil segment 1 is longer than 2. (Paraphrased comment by Robert Anderson)
Identification notes
See Remarks.
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
u US (TX-FL-NY-KS)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Host: Castanea species
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Curculio sayi (Gyllenhal, 1836)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Curculio sayi. 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 Small Chestnut Weevil (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by cotinis , Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Chestnut Weevil
What is Small Chestnut Weevil?
Small Chestnut Weevil (Curculio sayi) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Small Chestnut Weevil?
4.3-8 mm
How do you identify Small Chestnut Weevil?
See Remarks.
Where is Small Chestnut Weevil found?
Range: u US (TX-FL-NY-KS)
What is the life cycle of a Small Chestnut Weevil?
Host: Castanea species