Seedhead Weevil
Larinus minutus
This record describes Larinus minutus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
brown-grey weevil with a very large, bulbous snout... When the adults first emerge from the knapweed seedhead they are light grey with some yellow fuzz on their bodies. Image of adult and damage to seedhead
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 the US to control knapweeds, established in WA-OR-MT
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Spotted Knapweed ( Centaurea maculosa ) and Diffuse Knapweed ( C. diffusa )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Larinus minutus Gyllenhal 1835
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Larinus minutus. 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 Seedhead Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hannah Nendick-Mason; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , Ron M. , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Seedhead Weevil
What is Seedhead Weevil?
Seedhead Weevil (Larinus minutus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Seedhead Weevil?
4-5 mm
How do you identify Seedhead Weevil?
brown-grey weevil with a very large, bulbous snout... When the adults first emerge from the knapweed seedhead they are light grey with some yellow fuzz on their bodies. Image of adult and damage to seedhead
Where is Seedhead Weevil found?
Range: native to Europe, introduced to the US to control knapweeds, established in WA-OR-MT
What does Seedhead Weevil eat?
The diet of the Seedhead Weevil includes Spotted Knapweed ( Centaurea maculosa ) and Diffuse Knapweed ( C. diffusa ).