Liophloeus tessulatus
This record describes Liophloeus tessulatus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Reaching about 10 mm in length this is a buff or pale brown weevil with darker speckles on the elytra. Unless identified by a recognised expert, good photos are required that show the key ID features. Also state the beetle's size in the comments box. Anywhere from meadows to mountains, feeding on a wide range of common wild plants such as Creeping Thistle, Cow Parsley, Hogweed, Ivy and Colt's-foot. Adults found mostly from spring to late summer. Strangely, at low levels, the females are able to reproduce parthenogenically without male intervention but at higher altitudes where partners might appear to be fewer in number and more difficult to find, the weevils resort to 'normal' bi-sexual reproduction. It is fairly common in England, though there are fewer records from Scotland.
Wikipedia reference for Liophloeus tessulatus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liophloeus_tessulatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Entiminae
- Tribe
- Polydrusini
- Genus
- Liophloeus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Anywhere from meadows to mountains, feeding on a wide range of common wild plants such as Creeping Thistle, Cow Parsley, Hogweed, Ivy and Colt's-foot.
Seasonal Activity
Adults found mostly from spring to late summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Strangely, at low levels, the females are able to reproduce parthenogenically without male intervention but at higher altitudes where partners might appear to be fewer in number and more difficult to find, the weevils resort to 'normal' bi-sexual reproduction.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is fairly common in England, though there are fewer records from Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Liophloeus tessulatus. 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 Liophloeus tessulatus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Liophloeus tessulatus
What is Liophloeus tessulatus?
Liophloeus tessulatus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Liophloeus tessulatus?
this is a buff or pale brown weevil with darker speckles on the elytra.
Where is Liophloeus tessulatus found?
Habitat: Anywhere from meadows to mountains, feeding on a wide range of common wild plants such as Creeping Thistle, Cow Parsley, Hogweed, Ivy and Colt's-foot.
When is Liophloeus tessulatus active?
Liophloeus tessulatus: seasonal activity - Adults found mostly from spring to late summer..
What is the life cycle of a Liophloeus tessulatus?
Strangely, at low levels, the females are able to reproduce parthenogenically without male intervention but at higher altitudes where partners might appear to be fewer in number and more difficult to find, the weevils resort to 'normal' bi-sexual reproduction.