Stem-boring Weevil
Mecinus janthinus
This record describes Mecinus janthinus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
introduced recently to control toadflax ( Linaria spp.) ; first released in 1991 (BC), spread into WA
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Curculioninae
- Tribe
- Mecinini
- Genus
- Mecinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to Europe, released and established in w. NA; also present in the Maritime Canada
Diet and Behavior
Diet: feeds on toadflax ( Linaria spp.) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mecinus janthinus Germar 1821
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mecinus janthinus. 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 Stem-boring Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Stem-boring Weevil
What is Stem-boring Weevil?
Stem-boring Weevil (Mecinus janthinus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Stem-boring Weevil?
3.5-4.5 mm
Where is Stem-boring Weevil found?
Range: native to Europe, released and established in w. NA; also present in the Maritime Canada
What does Stem-boring Weevil eat?
The diet of the Stem-boring Weevil includes feeds on toadflax ( Linaria spp.) ( 3 ).