Mexican Bromeliad Weevil
Metamasius callizona
This record describes Metamasius callizona (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
M. callizona , which was first encountered in Florida in 1989 at a Ft. Lauderdale (Broward County) bromeliad nursery, is thought to have entered the state in a shipment of bromeliads imported from Veracruz, Mexico. The nursery was treated, but within two months the weevil was found to be established in northern Broward County and southern Palm Beach County. By 1991 the weevil was present in four counties in southern Florida, and by 1999 it was found in 12 additional counties. As a direct result of attack by M. callizona , the Florida Endangered Plant Advisory Council has added two species of bromeliads ( Tillandsia utriculata (L.) and Tillandsia fasciculata Swartz) to the list of endangered species under the 1998 Florida Administrative Code. Additionally, the weevil has entered the Everglades region, home of Florida's rarest populations of bromeliads.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dryophthorinae
- Tribe
- Rhynchophorini
- Genus
- Metamasius (Bromeliad Weevils)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
peninsular FL, se Mexico to C. Amer. - Map , As of December 2000, M. callizona was reported in 21 counties of southern Florida. Described from Mexico and originally thought to range from Mexico to western Panama, although the report from Panama has been considered questionable.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: In natural areas, the weevil primarily attacks T. utriculata, T. fasciculata, and Tillandsia paucifolia .
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Metamasius callizona. 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 Mexican Bromeliad Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Bromeliad Weevil
What is Mexican Bromeliad Weevil?
Mexican Bromeliad Weevil (Metamasius callizona) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mexican Bromeliad Weevil?
Adults are 11 to 16 mm (0.4 to 0.6 in.) long
Where is Mexican Bromeliad Weevil found?
Range: peninsular FL, se Mexico to C. Amer. - Map , As of December 2000, M. callizona was reported in 21 counties of southern Florida. Described from Mexico and originally thought to range from Mexico to western Panama, although the report from Panama has been considered questionable.
What does Mexican Bromeliad Weevil eat?
The diet of the Mexican Bromeliad Weevil includes In natural areas, the weevil primarily attacks T. utriculata, T. fasciculata, and Tillandsia paucifolia ..