European Elm Flea Weevil
Orchestes alni
This record describes Orchestes alni (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A very small (2.5 to 3.5mm) weevil. Each red/orange wing case (elytron) usually has two or more dark blotches, which gives this weevil a rather ladybird like appearance, but it is easily distinguished as a weevil by the distinctive long snout (rostrum). The head, legs and rostrum usually have quite a lot of black colouration unlike Orchestes betuleti. The larva mines Elm, creating a narrow gallery starting from the midrib, widening into a blotch at the leaf-edge. Orchestes betuleti is similar and also associated with Elm, however it is usally all red above, with no significant black markings on the elytra, head, legs or rostrum. O.betuleti is also very small (only 2.4 to 2.6mm) that is smaller than the typical Orchestes alni specimen. Unless identified by a recognised expert, good photos are required that show the key ID features. Also state the beetle's size in the comments box. If recording the leaf mine, a backlit phto showign the full extent of the mine is needed, and the host plant should be noted Records for this species are mainly from the southern half of England. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Coleoptera/o.alni.htm https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/coleoptera/polyphaga/cucujiformia/curculionoidea/curculionidae/curculioninae/rhamphinini/orchestes/orchestes-alni/
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Curculionidae
- Genus
- Orchestes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Orchestes alni
Seasonal Activity
The adults are seen around mid summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Records for this species are mainly from the southern half of England.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Orchestes alni. 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 European Elm Flea Weevil (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About European Elm Flea Weevil
What is European Elm Flea Weevil?
European Elm Flea Weevil (Orchestes alni) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is European Elm Flea Weevil found?
Habitat: Orchestes alni
When is European Elm Flea Weevil active?
European Elm Flea Weevil: seasonal activity - The adults are seen around mid summer..