Puncturevine Stem Weevil
Microlarinus lypriformis
This record describes Microlarinus lypriformis (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
more parallel-sided than M. rhinocylloides introduced into the US as biocontrol agent in 1961 (CA, AZ)
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
- Microlarinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to the Mediterranean thru India, introduced in NA, established in FL, OR‒CA to NE‒TX, failed to establish elsewhere
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Tribulus terrestris, T. cistoides. Kallstroemia spp. (Zygophyllaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Microlarinus lypriformis (Wollaston 1861)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Microlarinus lypriformis. 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 Puncturevine Stem Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Puncturevine Stem Weevil
What is Puncturevine Stem Weevil?
Puncturevine Stem Weevil (Microlarinus lypriformis) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Puncturevine Stem Weevil?
3.0‒4.2 mm
How do you identify Puncturevine Stem Weevil?
more parallel-sided than M. rhinocylloides
Where is Puncturevine Stem Weevil found?
Range: native to the Mediterranean thru India, introduced in NA, established in FL, OR‒CA to NE‒TX, failed to establish elsewhere
What does Puncturevine Stem Weevil eat?
The diet of the Puncturevine Stem Weevil includes hosts: Tribulus terrestris, T. cistoides. Kallstroemia spp. (Zygophyllaceae).