Ophryastes argentatus
This record describes Ophryastes argentatus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
LeConte: One female, with the elytra nearly twice as wide as the thorax; the anterior and posterior marginal impressions of the thorax are entire and very distinct, uniting with the dorsal line; the color is more uniform than in the other species, nevertheless the elytra are slightly mottled; an occipital line, the sides of the rostrum, and a space behind the eyes are covered with fuscous metallic scales; the dark band of the femora existing in many of the species is more conspicuous in this, on account of the denser white scales of the legs. Det. C. W. O'Brien, 2010 Type Locality: One female found at Vallecitas, California
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Entiminae
- Tribe
- Ophryastini
- Genus
- Ophryastes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw. US (s.CA-AZ-UT) & Mex. - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ophryastes argentatus LeConte 1853
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ophryastes argentatus. 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 Ophryastes argentatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Ophryastes argentatus
What is Ophryastes argentatus?
Ophryastes argentatus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Ophryastes argentatus?
LeConte: One female, with the elytra nearly twice as wide as the thorax; the anterior and posterior marginal impressions of the thorax are entire and very distinct, uniting with the dorsal line; the color is more uniform than in the other species, nevertheless the elytra are slightly mottled; an occipital line, the sides of the rostrum, and a space behind the eyes are covered with fuscous metallic scales; the dark band of the femora existing in many of the species is more conspicuous in this, on account of the denser white scales of the legs. Det. C. W. O'Brien, 2010
Where is Ophryastes argentatus found?
Range: sw. US (s.CA-AZ-UT) & Mex. - Map