Black Sunflower Stem Weevil
Fallapion occidentale
This record describes Fallapion occidentale (species). Recorded family: Brentidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Holotype • habitus photos
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
w. NA (OR‒CA to AB‒MN‒TX)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Helianthus ; adults also on Haplopappus, Coreopsis
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Fallapion occidentale (Fall 1898)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Fallapion occidentale. 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 Black Sunflower Stem Weevil (2)
Photo credits: (c) Eric R. Eaton, all rights reserved, uploaded by Eric R. Eaton | Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Sunflower Stem Weevil
How big is Black Sunflower Stem Weevil?
2.2‒2.8 mm ; 2.1‒2.5 mm
How do you identify Black Sunflower Stem Weevil?
Holotype • habitus photos
Where is Black Sunflower Stem Weevil found?
Range: w. NA (OR‒CA to AB‒MN‒TX)
What does Black Sunflower Stem Weevil eat?
The diet of the Black Sunflower Stem Weevil includes hosts: Helianthus ; adults also on Haplopappus, Coreopsis.