Ophryastes huachucae
This record describes Ophryastes huachucae (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
head and sides of prothorax dominantly white; brown scales of pronotal disk more or less concentrated into two broad stripes, one on either side of the middle; disk of elytra clouded but mainly brown, the legs barred. Det. C. W. O.Brien, 2011 Type Locality: probably a female, collected by E. P. Van Duzee along the Babocomari River, Huachuca Mountains, Ariz., Aug. 8, 1924.
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, w.TX / Mex. - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ophryastes huachucae (Van Dyke)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ophryastes huachucae. 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 huachucae (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Ophryastes huachucae
What is Ophryastes huachucae?
Ophryastes huachucae is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ophryastes huachucae?
Length 13 mm (with head extended)
How do you identify Ophryastes huachucae?
head and sides of prothorax dominantly white; brown scales of pronotal disk more or less concentrated into two broad stripes, one on either side of the middle; disk of elytra clouded but mainly brown, the legs barred. Det. C. W. O.Brien, 2011
Where is Ophryastes huachucae found?
Range: AZ, w.TX / Mex. - Map