Hypera meles
This record describes Hypera meles (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A medium-sized, 3.9 to 4.8 mm, weevil with strongly rounded pronotum and parallel-sided elytra, usually showing a light and dark brown elytral pattern which may vary in intensity. Unless identified by a recognised expert, photographic evidence is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used. Note the beetle's size and describe the identifying characters. It is advisable to retain the specimen in case further checks are needed. Flower rich meadows, especially where clovers are plentiful. Adults become active during warm days in April, after a period of feeding they mate on stems and leaves of host plants, mostly Red or White Clover, but will also utilise several other species. New generation adults contribute to a peak in abundance during mid-summer but during the warmest times they enter the soil to aestivate and become active again for a while during September and October before entering the soil to overwinter. It is locally common in England north to south Yorkshire. It was formerly considered as rare but there seems to have been a recent increase in abundance. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Hyperinae
- Genus
- Hypera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Flower rich meadows, especially where clovers are plentiful.
Seasonal Activity
Adults become active during warm days in April, after a period of feeding they mate on stems and leaves of host plants, mostly Red or White Clover, but will also utilise several other species. New generation adults contribute to a peak in abundance during mid-summer but during the warmest times they enter the soil to aestivate and become active again for a while during September and October before entering the soil to overwinter.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults overwinter in the soil.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is locally common in England north to south Yorkshire. It was formerly considered as rare but there seems to have been a recent increase in abundance.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hypera meles. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hypera meles
What is Hypera meles?
Hypera meles is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Hypera meles found?
Habitat: Flower rich meadows, especially where clovers are plentiful.
When is Hypera meles active?
Hypera meles: seasonal activity - Adults become active during warm days in April, after a period of feeding they mate on stems and leaves of host plants, mostly Red or White Clover, but will also utilise several other species. New generation adults contribute to a peak in abundance during mid-summer but during the warmest times they enter the soil to aestivate and become active again for a while during September and October before entering the soil to overwinter..
What is the life cycle of a Hypera meles?
Adults overwinter in the soil.