Eucalyptus Snout Beetle
Gonipterus scutellatus
This record describes Gonipterus scutellatus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Eucalyptus Snout Beetle (Gonipterus scutellatus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as snout and bark beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Gonipterinae, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Curculionoidea. This species belongs to the genus Gonipterus. Size: 12–14 mm. Found in Lines of trees, small anthropogenic woodlands, parks and gardens.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Gonipterinae
- Genus
- Gonipterus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Lines of trees, small anthropogenic woodlands, parks and gardens
Geographic Range
native to Australia, spread to many parts of the world with eucalyptus; first found in southern California in 1994
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Overwinters as adult
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Gonipterus scutellatus Gyllenhal 1833
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Gonipterus scutellatus. 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 Eucalyptus Snout Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Graham M
Frequently Asked Questions About Eucalyptus Snout Beetle
What is Eucalyptus Snout Beetle?
Eucalyptus Snout Beetle (Gonipterus scutellatus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Eucalyptus Snout Beetle?
12–14 mm
Where is Eucalyptus Snout Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Lines of trees, small anthropogenic woodlands, parks and gardens |
| Range | native to Australia, spread to many parts of the world with eucalyptus; first found in southern California in 1994 |
What is the life cycle of a Eucalyptus Snout Beetle?
Overwinters as adult