Canada Thistle Bud Weevil
Larinus carlinae
This record describes Larinus carlinae (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
introduced to control invasive thistle in the 1960s (was later found to infect some native thistles)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lixinae
- Tribe
- Lixini
- Genus
- Larinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to Europe, introduced to NA
Seasonal Activity
Around the flowering season of its host plant
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: thistles ( Cirsium )
Life History
Larvae develop in buds of thistles, especially Canada Thistle
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Larinus carlinae (Olivier 1807) name priority by Hoebeke and Spichiger 2016
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Larinus carlinae. 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 Canada Thistle Bud Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , ghanley1 , Boris Bueche , Ron M. , v belov , onegunah , Russell Rogers
Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Thistle Bud Weevil
What is Canada Thistle Bud Weevil?
Canada Thistle Bud Weevil (Larinus carlinae) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Canada Thistle Bud Weevil?
5-8 mm
Where is Canada Thistle Bud Weevil found?
Range: native to Europe, introduced to NA
What does Canada Thistle Bud Weevil eat?
The diet of the Canada Thistle Bud Weevil includes hosts: thistles ( Cirsium ).
When is Canada Thistle Bud Weevil active?
Canada Thistle Bud Weevil: seasonal activity - Around the flowering season of its host plant.
What is the life cycle of a Canada Thistle Bud Weevil?
Larvae develop in buds of thistles, especially Canada Thistle