Imbricated Snout Beetle
Epicaerus imbricatus
This record describes Epicaerus imbricatus (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
- Entiminae
- Tribe
- Geonemini
- Genus
- Epicaerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
common on various legumes
Geographic Range
e. US (NY-GA to MN-SD-CO-TX) & Mex. - Map (mostly upper midwest to c. TX)
Seasonal Activity
May-Jul in KS
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Charged in the literature with serious depredations on apple, bean, beet, blackberry, cabbage, cherry, clover, corn, cotton, cucumber, gooseberry, muskmelon, onion, peach, pear, plum, potato, radish, raspberry, strawberry, squash, tomato and watermelon. Some other species of the genus may be responsible for part of these records. (Pierce 1910)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Epicaerus imbricatus (Say 1824)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epicaerus imbricatus. 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 Imbricated Snout Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Imbricated Snout Beetle
How big is Imbricated Snout Beetle?
6-9 mm ; 6.5-11.5 mm
Where is Imbricated Snout Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | common on various legumes |
| Range | e. US (NY-GA to MN-SD-CO-TX) & Mex. - Map (mostly upper midwest to c. TX) |
What does Imbricated Snout Beetle eat?
The diet of the Imbricated Snout Beetle includes Charged in the literature with serious depredations on apple, bean, beet, blackberry, cabbage, cherry, clover, corn, cotton, cucumber, gooseberry, muskmelon, onion, peach, pear, plum, potato, radish, raspberry, strawberry, squash, tomato and watermelon. Some other species of the genus may be responsible for part of these records. (Pierce 1910).
When is Imbricated Snout Beetle active?
Imbricated Snout Beetle: seasonal activity - May-Jul in KS.