Neapion herculanum
This record describes Neapion herculanum (species). Recorded family: Brentidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Densely uniformly scaly metepisternum, relatively short beak that lacks sexual dimorphism, antennal insertions close to eyes (usually less than length of frons), small size (1.77-2.61mm)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Brentidae (Primitive Weevils)
- Subfamily
- Apioninae
- Tribe
- Ixapiini
- Genus
- Neapion
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
ne. US (ME-NC to WI-IL)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Viburnum dentatum
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Neapion herculanum (Smith 1884)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Neapion herculanum. 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 Neapion herculanum (2)
Photo credits: (c) Ari Zakroff, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Ari Zakroff | Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Bbarnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Neapion herculanum
What is Neapion herculanum?
Neapion herculanum is a species in the family Brentidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Neapion herculanum?
1.8-2.6 mm
How do you identify Neapion herculanum?
Densely uniformly scaly metepisternum, relatively short beak that lacks sexual dimorphism, antennal insertions close to eyes (usually less than length of frons), small size (1.77-2.61mm)
Where is Neapion herculanum found?
Range: ne. US (ME-NC to WI-IL)
What does Neapion herculanum eat?
The diet of the Neapion herculanum includes host: Viburnum dentatum.