Myrmex myrmex
This record describes Myrmex myrmex (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Curculioninae
- Tribe
- Otidocephalini
- Genus
- Myrmex
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e.NA (QC‒FL to IA‒TX)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
larvae found in numbers near Harrisburg, PA, on dead/dying twigs of sycamore infested by sycamore blight. The adults, upon emerging in confinement, fed upon the fungous pustules on the bark. ( 4 ) ( 5 ) (Burke et al. 1975)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Myrmex myrmex (Herbst 1797)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Myrmex myrmex. 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 Myrmex myrmex (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Myrmex myrmex
How big is Myrmex myrmex?
3.8‒4.5 mm
Where is Myrmex myrmex found?
Range: e.NA (QC‒FL to IA‒TX)
What is the life cycle of a Myrmex myrmex?
larvae found in numbers near Harrisburg, PA, on dead/dying twigs of sycamore infested by sycamore blight. The adults, upon emerging in confinement, fed upon the fungous pustules on the bark. ( 4 ) ( 5 ) (Burke et al. 1975)