Red Elm Bark Weevil
Magdalis armicollis
This record describes Magdalis armicollis (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Mesoptiliinae
- Tribe
- Magdalidini
- Genus
- Magdalis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
often occurs en masse in recently dead elm wood
Geographic Range
e.NA (NS‒GA to SK‒TX)
Seasonal Activity
adults emerge Mar‒Oct (peak in late spring to mid-summer)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: elm ( 3 )
Life History
Eggs deposited in punctures in the bark. Larval tunnels follow the grain. One generation per year ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Magdalis armicollis (Say 1831)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Magdalis armicollis. 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 Red Elm Bark Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Elm Bark Weevil
How big is Red Elm Bark Weevil?
3.5‒6.0 mm
Where is Red Elm Bark Weevil found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | often occurs en masse in recently dead elm wood |
| Range | e.NA (NS‒GA to SK‒TX) |
What does Red Elm Bark Weevil eat?
The diet of the Red Elm Bark Weevil includes hosts: elm ( 3 ).
When is Red Elm Bark Weevil active?
Red Elm Bark Weevil: seasonal activity - adults emerge Mar‒Oct (peak in late spring to mid-summer).
What is the life cycle of a Red Elm Bark Weevil?
Eggs deposited in punctures in the bark. Larval tunnels follow the grain. One generation per year ( 6 )