Haplorhynchites quadripennis
This record describes Haplorhynchites quadripennis (species). Recorded family: Attelabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Black with bluish, greenish, and purpurescent reflections, extremities of legs and antennae somewhat paler, to the naked eye varying from a rosy-bronze head and pronotum with a metallic green elytra to a black or greenish-black head and pronotum with a highly purpurescent elytra; above and below with rather long dark setae. Very similar to H. eximius but usually distinct by the dense punctures of the head and pronotum, quadrate elytra, relatively long pubescence, and smaller size. Described from two examples, probably males, sent me many years ago as hirtus. If my memory serves me they were collected by Rauterberg and probably near New Braunfels. (Fall, 1929)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Attelabidae (Leaf Rolling Weevils)
- Subfamily
- Rhynchitinae
- Tribe
- Rhynchitini
- Genus
- Haplorhynchites
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ, c. to s. TX - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: recorded hosts: Baccharis sp. in TX, Salix sp. in AZ
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: quadripennis = 'square-winged' [refers to the nearly quadrate elytra ]
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Haplorhynchites quadripennis. 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 Haplorhynchites quadripennis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Haplorhynchites quadripennis
What is Haplorhynchites quadripennis?
Haplorhynchites quadripennis is a species in the family Attelabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Haplorhynchites quadripennis?
3.1-4.0 mm
How do you identify Haplorhynchites quadripennis?
Black with bluish, greenish, and purpurescent reflections, extremities of legs and antennae somewhat paler, to the naked eye varying from a rosy-bronze head and pronotum with a metallic green elytra to a black or greenish-black head and pronotum with a highly purpurescent elytra; above and below with rather long dark setae. Very similar to H. eximius but usually distinct by the dense punctures of the head and pronotum, quadrate elytra, relatively long pubescence, and smaller size.
Where is Haplorhynchites quadripennis found?
Range: AZ, c. to s. TX - Map
What does Haplorhynchites quadripennis eat?
The diet of the Haplorhynchites quadripennis includes recorded hosts: Baccharis sp. in TX, Salix sp. in AZ.