Hypothenemus californicus
This record describes Hypothenemus californicus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished from other members of the genus in our area by the combination of coarse, deep punctures on posterolateral area of pronotum, slender body form, and long slender interstrial scales earliest record in our area: CA 1895
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scolytinae
- Tribe
- Tryopophloeini
- Genus
- Hypothenemus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to Africa, adventive erlsewhere; in our area, s.CA, TX, NJ‒FL ; Asia, Mexico, Brazil
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Breeds in a wide variety of unrelated hosts ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hypothenemus californicus Hopkins 1915
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hypothenemus californicus. 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 Hypothenemus californicus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Marc DiGirolomo; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Hypothenemus californicus
What is Hypothenemus californicus?
Hypothenemus californicus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hypothenemus californicus?
1.0‒1.4 mm
How do you identify Hypothenemus californicus?
Distinguished from other members of the genus in our area by the combination of coarse, deep punctures on posterolateral area of pronotum, slender body form, and long slender interstrial scales
Where is Hypothenemus californicus found?
Range: native to Africa, adventive erlsewhere; in our area, s.CA, TX, NJ‒FL ; Asia, Mexico, Brazil
What does Hypothenemus californicus eat?
The diet of the Hypothenemus californicus includes Breeds in a wide variety of unrelated hosts ( 3 ).