Hound's-tongue Root Weevil
Mogulones crucifer
This record describes Mogulones crucifer (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
populations in BC originated in Hungary and Serbia Introduced to control the invasive weed Cynoglossum officinale (Hound's Tongue) (Boraginaceae)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Ceutorhynchinae
- Tribe
- Ceutorhynchini
- Genus
- Mogulones
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to w.Palaearctic
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Cynoglossum officinale (hound's tongue), C. cheirifolium
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mogulones crucifer (Pallas 1771)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mogulones crucifer. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hound's-tongue Root Weevil
What is Hound's-tongue Root Weevil?
Hound's-tongue Root Weevil (Mogulones crucifer) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hound's-tongue Root Weevil?
3.7‒4.6 mm
Where is Hound's-tongue Root Weevil found?
Range: native to w.Palaearctic
What does Hound's-tongue Root Weevil eat?
The diet of the Hound's-tongue Root Weevil includes hosts: Cynoglossum officinale (hound's tongue), C. cheirifolium.