Fallapion melanarium
This record describes Fallapion melanarium (species). Recorded family: Brentidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Brentidae (Primitive Weevils)
- Subfamily
- Apioninae
- Tribe
- Piezotrachelini
- Genus
- Fallapion
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA (QC-ON-ND south to FL-TX)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Bidens in wet places; larvae in stems, adults feed on leaves ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Fallapion melanarium (Gerstaecker 1854)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Fallapion melanarium. 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 Fallapion melanarium (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Fallapion melanarium
How big is Fallapion melanarium?
2.0-2.5 mm
Where is Fallapion melanarium found?
Range: e. NA (QC-ON-ND south to FL-TX)
What does Fallapion melanarium eat?
The diet of the Fallapion melanarium includes hosts: Bidens in wet places; larvae in stems, adults feed on leaves ( 5 ).