New York Weevil
Ithycerus noveboracensis
This record describes Ithycerus noveboracensis (species). Recorded family: Brentidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
rarely encountered but occasionally a pest in orchards
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Brentidae (Primitive Weevils)
- Subfamily
- Ithycerinae
- Genus
- Ithycerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
adults found mostly on the limbs/foliage of many hardwoods (beech, oak, hickory, chestnut, crabapple, peach/plum trees, etc.); larvae inside roots of the same plants, primarily on lower surfaces of lateral roots
Geographic Range
e NA (QC-ON-NE to FL-TX)
Seasonal Activity
May-Jul
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults feed on soft parts (new growth, petioles, buds); larvae, on outer vascular tissues of roots
Life History
2-year life cycle: most of the summer and subsequent year is spent as larva; pupation in May/Jun of the second year
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ithycerus noveboracensis (Forster 1771)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ithycerus noveboracensis. 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 New York Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chris Wirth; Additional contributions by Hannah Nendick-Mason , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Weevil
What is New York Weevil?
New York Weevil (Ithycerus noveboracensis) is a species in the family Brentidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is New York Weevil?
12-18 mm
Where is New York Weevil found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | adults found mostly on the limbs/foliage of many hardwoods (beech, oak, hickory, chestnut, crabapple, peach/plum trees, etc.); larvae inside roots of the same plants, primarily on lower surfaces of lateral roots |
| Range | e NA (QC-ON-NE to FL-TX) |
What does New York Weevil eat?
The diet of the New York Weevil includes Adults feed on soft parts (new growth, petioles, buds); larvae, on outer vascular tissues of roots.
When is New York Weevil active?
New York Weevil: seasonal activity - May-Jul.
What is the life cycle of a New York Weevil?
2-year life cycle: most of the summer and subsequent year is spent as larva; pupation in May/Jun of the second year