Laemosaccus burkei
This record describes Laemosaccus burkei (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Frons with dense, white setae, obscuring area between eyes and on rostrum only above antennal insertions; Red spots on elytra usually >0.5 length of elytra frequently collected southwestern and Mexican member of the L. nephele group with dense white setae ventrally, on the frons and rostrum, and on the anterior pronotal collar that is usually associated with mesquite and other woody legumes. Type: Texas: Brazos Co., College Station, 08.04.1964, S. G. Wellso, emerged from limb of Prosopis glandulosa (TAMU).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Mesoptiliinae
- Genus
- Laemosaccus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ, sw. TX to s. Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
commonly collected species is associated with a variety of legumes (sensu lato), most frequently with mesquite (Prosopis spp., Fabaceae). It has the largest range of larval hosts and has been reared several times from mesquite, and specifically from Prosopis glandulosa Torr., “ebony” (Pithecellobium flexicaule (Benth.) = Ebenopsis ebano (Berland.) Barneby & J. W.Grimes, Fabaceae), redbud (Cercis reniformis Engl., Fabaceae, cedar-elm (Ulmus crassifolia Nutt., Ulmaceae), and Acacia sp. girdled by Oncideres sp. Adults have been taken on Prosopis laevigata (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) M.C. Johnst., Prosopis chilensis (Molina) Stuntz, Prosopis juliflora Swartz DeCandolle, Acacia spp., Acacia prob. farnesiana, Acacia pennatula (S. & C.) Benth., Celtis sp. (Cannabaceae), and Q. undulata.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Laemosaccus burkei Hespenheide 2019
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Laemosaccus burkei. 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 Laemosaccus burkei (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Laemosaccus burkei
What is Laemosaccus burkei?
Laemosaccus burkei is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Laemosaccus burkei?
2.50 to 4.80 mm
How do you identify Laemosaccus burkei?
Frons with dense, white setae, obscuring area between eyes and on rostrum only above antennal insertions; Red spots on elytra usually >0.5 length of elytra frequently collected southwestern and Mexican member of the L. nephele group with dense white setae ventrally, on the frons and rostrum, and on the anterior pronotal collar that is usually associated with mesquite and other woody legumes.
Where is Laemosaccus burkei found?
Range: AZ, sw. TX to s. Mex. - Map
What is the life cycle of a Laemosaccus burkei?
commonly collected species is associated with a variety of legumes (sensu lato), most frequently with mesquite (Prosopis spp., Fabaceae). It has the largest range of larval hosts and has been reared several times from mesquite, and specifically from Prosopis glandulosa Torr., ebony (Pithecellobium flexicaule (Benth.) = Ebenopsis ebano (Berland.) Barneby & J. W.Grimes, Fabaceae), redbud (Cercis reniformis Engl., Fabaceae, cedar-elm (Ulmus crassifolia Nutt., Ulmaceae), and Acacia sp. girdled by Oncideres sp. Adults have been taken on Prosopis laevigata (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) M.C. Johnst., Prosopis chilensis (Molina) Stuntz, Prosopis juliflora Swartz DeCandolle, Acacia spp., Acacia prob. farnesiana, Acacia pennatula (S. & C.) Benth., Celtis sp. (Cannabaceae), and Q. undulata.