Ophryastes dunnianus 0
Ophryastes dunnianus
This record describes Ophryastes dunnianus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Scales light and dark gray, confusedly mottled; elytral striae impressed, finely punctate (last key couplet) This name seems to have caused considerable confusion. Casey's description of the species states that it is white, with the striae extremely fine, finely and remotely punctate. The description fits the type very well, but some specimens included in the Casey collection series are the usual brown specimens of decipiens with the striae slightly less well marked than usual. I have found no characters other than those given above that distinguish dunnianus from decipiens . The genitalia are the same. Although this is merely an extreme form of decipiens , I believe the name should be retained, as specimens occasionally come to hand that are very robust, white, and with subobsolete striae, and these are other wise difficult to place. Type Locality: El Paso, Texas
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
AZ to w.TX - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ophryastes dunnianus (Casey) Syn: Eupagoderes dunnianus Casey, 1888 Orig. Comb: Eupagoderes decipiens dunnianus Casey, 1888
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ophryastes dunnianus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ophryastes dunnianus 0
What is Ophryastes dunnianus 0?
Ophryastes dunnianus 0 (Ophryastes dunnianus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Ophryastes dunnianus 0?
Scales light and dark gray, confusedly mottled; elytral striae impressed, finely punctate (last key couplet) This name seems to have caused considerable confusion. Casey's description of the species states that it is white, with the striae extremely fine, finely and remotely punctate. The description fits the type very well, but some specimens included in the Casey collection series are the usual brown specimens of decipiens with the striae slightly less well marked than usual. I have found no characters other than those given above that distinguish dunnianus from decipiens . The genitalia are the same. Although this is merely an extreme form of decipiens , I believe the name should be retained, as specimens occasionally come to hand that are very robust, white, and with subobsolete striae, and these are other wise difficult to place.
Where is Ophryastes dunnianus 0 found?
Range: AZ to w.TX - Map