Mitostylus setosus
This record describes Mitostylus setosus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Easily separated from other described members of the genus in Texas by the larger size, and long slender, erect elytral setae. (Burke 1963)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Entiminae
- Tribe
- Sciaphilini
- Genus
- Mitostylus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ to w. TX / Mex. , CWO det. common in the Trans-Pecos and Edwards Plateau regions of Texas and known from many localities in Mexico. (Burke 1963)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: setosus - reference to this species' long slender, erect elytral setae.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mitostylus setosus. 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 Mitostylus setosus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Mitostylus setosus
What is Mitostylus setosus?
Mitostylus setosus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Mitostylus setosus?
Easily separated from other described members of the genus in Texas by the larger size, and long slender, erect elytral setae. (Burke 1963)
Where is Mitostylus setosus found?
Range: AZ to w. TX / Mex. , CWO det. common in the Trans-Pecos and Edwards Plateau regions of Texas and known from many localities in Mexico. (Burke 1963)