Omileus epicaeroides
This record describes Omileus epicaeroides (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2015 Type Locality: Texas
Identification notes
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2015
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Entiminae
- Tribe
- Geonemini
- Genus
- Omileus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
c.TX-LA / Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 ) , mostly across c. TX
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Jun ( 4 ) ( 6 ) Eggs hatch mostly about the middle of May. ( 7 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Very injurious to the foliage of oak and peach at Dialville, Cherokee Co., TX. ( 7 ) ( 4 ) Also on cedar elm ( Ulmus crassifolia , Ulmaceae) ( 4 )
Life History
Flightless. The eggs are laid in bunches of two to nine upon fallen foliage or rubbish, the leaf being folded over them. The eggs hatch in from three to eight weeks, the average being about a month. They hatch mostly about the middle of May. The larvae feed on roots, probably of oak. ( 7 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Omileus epicaeroides Horn, 1876
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Omileus epicaeroides. 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 Omileus epicaeroides (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Maury Heiman
Frequently Asked Questions About Omileus epicaeroides
What is Omileus epicaeroides?
Omileus epicaeroides is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Omileus epicaeroides?
7.5-8 mm
How do you identify Omileus epicaeroides?
Det. M. A. Quinn, 2015
Where is Omileus epicaeroides found?
Range: c.TX-LA / Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 ) , mostly across c. TX
What does Omileus epicaeroides eat?
The diet of the Omileus epicaeroides includes Very injurious to the foliage of oak and peach at Dialville, Cherokee Co., TX. ( 7 ) ( 4 ) Also on cedar elm ( Ulmus crassifolia , Ulmaceae) ( 4 ).
When is Omileus epicaeroides active?
Omileus epicaeroides: seasonal activity - Mar-Jun ( 4 ) ( 6 ) Eggs hatch mostly about the middle of May. ( 7 ).
What is the life cycle of a Omileus epicaeroides?
Flightless. The eggs are laid in bunches of two to nine upon fallen foliage or rubbish, the leaf being folded over them. The eggs hatch in from three to eight weeks, the average being about a month. They hatch mostly about the middle of May. The larvae feed on roots, probably of oak. ( 7 )