Ophryastes desertus
This record describes Ophryastes desertus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Elytra | Elytra oblong oval, three times as long as the thorax, one and a-half times as long as wide, strive broad and shallow, punctures coarse and serrate, intervals feebly convex. |
| Body | Body beneath and legs densely covered with whitish scales. Det. C. W. O'Brien, 2009 Type (not imaged at MCZ): One specimen found dead at Carisa Creek on the borders of the Colorado Desert of 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
CA-AZ to Mex. - Map
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ophryastes desertus. 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 desertus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Ophryastes desertus
What is Ophryastes desertus?
Ophryastes desertus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ophryastes desertus?
Length 22 mm, the largest of the genus.
How do you identify Ophryastes desertus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Elytra | Elytra oblong oval, three times as long as the thorax, one and a-half times as long as wide, strive broad and shallow, punctures coarse and serrate, intervals feebly convex. |
| Body | Body beneath and legs densely covered with whitish scales. Det. C. W. O'Brien, 2009 |
Where is Ophryastes desertus found?
Range: CA-AZ to Mex. - Map