Puncturevine Seed Weevil
Microlarinus rhinocylloides
This record describes Microlarinus rhinocylloides (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
introduced to control Puncturevine; first released in the US in 1961 (NV & CA, later in other states)
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, introduced in NA and now widely established in FL and sw. US east to NE‒TX)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Tribulus terrestris, T. cistoides )
Life History
probably 3 generations in CA
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Microlarinus rhinocylloides Hochhuth 1847
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Microlarinus rhinocylloides. 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 Seed Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Puncturevine Seed Weevil
What is Puncturevine Seed Weevil?
Puncturevine Seed Weevil (Microlarinus rhinocylloides) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Puncturevine Seed Weevil?
2.0‒4.5 mm
Where is Puncturevine Seed Weevil found?
Range: native to the Mediterranean, introduced in NA and now widely established in FL and sw. US east to NE‒TX)
What does Puncturevine Seed Weevil eat?
The diet of the Puncturevine Seed Weevil includes host: Tribulus terrestris, T. cistoides ).
What is the life cycle of a Puncturevine Seed Weevil?
probably 3 generations in CA