Dorytomus mucidus
This record describes Dorytomus mucidus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
(female) Det. M. A. Quinn, 2021 image shows the relative size of the two most common Dorytomus spp. in Texas. Dorytomus brevisetosus Casey is also present in w. TX. Dorytomus brevicollis LeConte - small Dorytomus mucidus (Say) ------- large
Identification notes
(female) Det. M. A. Quinn, 2021
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Curculioninae
- Tribe
- Ellescini
- Genus
- Dorytomus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA to AB (NB‒AB to GA‒TX) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: fruits of eastern cottonwood ( Populus deltoides , Salicaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dorytomus mucidus (Say 1831)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dorytomus mucidus. 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 Dorytomus mucidus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Guy A. Hanley; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dorytomus mucidus
What is Dorytomus mucidus?
Dorytomus mucidus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dorytomus mucidus?
4.1‒7.4 mm
How do you identify Dorytomus mucidus?
(female) Det. M. A. Quinn, 2021
Where is Dorytomus mucidus found?
Range: e. NA to AB (NB‒AB to GA‒TX) - Map
What does Dorytomus mucidus eat?
The diet of the Dorytomus mucidus includes host: fruits of eastern cottonwood ( Populus deltoides , Salicaceae).