Hypera rumicis
This record describes Hypera rumicis (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Size 4 or 5 mm. A pale buff coloured weevil with variable darker brown markings on the elytra. Has flat scales and a few flattened bristles. Usually found on docks. See ID guidance below for more details. Unless identified by a recognised expert, good photos are required that show the key ID features. Also state the beetle's size in the comments box. Areas containing dock, even in damp conditions. Feeds on docks and some other plants. The larva develops inside a woven spherical cage about 7 mm across.
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
Areas containing dock, even in damp conditions.
Seasonal Activity
Late spring and summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Feeds on docks and some other plants. The larva develops inside a woven spherical cage about 7 mm across.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent in England and Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hypera rumicis. 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 Hypera rumicis (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hypera rumicis
What is Hypera rumicis?
Hypera rumicis is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hypera rumicis?
4 or 5 mm. A pale buff coloured weevil with variable darker brown markings on the elytra. Has flat scales and a few flattened bristles. Usually found on docks. See ID guidance below for more details.
Where is Hypera rumicis found?
Habitat: Areas containing dock, even in damp conditions.
When is Hypera rumicis active?
Hypera rumicis: seasonal activity - Late spring and summer..
What is the life cycle of a Hypera rumicis?
Feeds on docks and some other plants. The larva develops inside a woven spherical cage about 7 mm across.