Sunflower Stem Weevil
Cylindrocopturus adspersus
This record describes Cylindrocopturus adspersus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
things under that name [ C. adspersus ] probably represent more than one species --H.A. Hespenheide, pers. comm. to =v= 9.ii.2012
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Conoderinae
- Tribe
- Zygopini
- Genus
- Cylindrocopturus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Great Plains to s. Calif. (s.CA-TX-NE-CO) / Baja - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
a key sunflower pest on the western High Plains since 1995
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cylindrocopturus adspersus. 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 Sunflower Stem Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunflower Stem Weevil
What is Sunflower Stem Weevil?
Sunflower Stem Weevil (Cylindrocopturus adspersus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Sunflower Stem Weevil found?
Range: Great Plains to s. Calif. (s.CA-TX-NE-CO) / Baja - Map
What is the life cycle of a Sunflower Stem Weevil?
a key sunflower pest on the western High Plains since 1995