Sri Lanka Weevil
Myllocerus undecimpustulatus
This record describes Myllocerus undecimpustulatus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
similar to Artipus floridanus (native to peninsular FL) but has wider shoulders, spines on the hind femur and a yellowish tint to the head vs A. floridanus first detected in Florida in 2000 , now the most commonly seen entimine in FL
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Entiminae
- Tribe
- Cyphicerini
- Genus
- Myllocerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to Sri Lanka, adventive in our area (peninsular FL)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts include >150 plant species including native, ornamental, vegetable and fruit crops ; in FL, recorded from 65 host spp. from palms to roadside weeds, including citrus; larvae burrow in the soil, feeding on roots
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Myllocerus undecimpustulatus Faust 1891
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Myllocerus undecimpustulatus. 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 Sri Lanka Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Sri Lanka Weevil
What is Sri Lanka Weevil?
Sri Lanka Weevil (Myllocerus undecimpustulatus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Sri Lanka Weevil?
similar to Artipus floridanus (native to peninsular FL) but has wider shoulders, spines on the hind femur and a yellowish tint to the head vs A. floridanus
Where is Sri Lanka Weevil found?
Range: native to Sri Lanka, adventive in our area (peninsular FL)
What does Sri Lanka Weevil eat?
The diet of the Sri Lanka Weevil includes hosts include >150 plant species including native, ornamental, vegetable and fruit crops ; in FL, recorded from 65 host spp. from palms to roadside weeds, including citrus; larvae burrow in the soil, feeding on roots.