Ophryastes tuberosus
This record describes Ophryastes tuberosus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Thorax | Thorax nearly twice as wide as long, constricted at apex and base, sides (tuberosities) slightly divergent and notched at middle, surface deeply punctured and very irregular. |
| Elytra | Elytra regularly oval with rows of large, deeply impressed punctures; surface densely covered with cinereous scales and maculate with black. |
| Body | Body beneath and legs densely covered with whitish scales, femora with black spots near the tip. LeConte's series shows considerable variation in the punctation of the elytra, the striae being impressed in some specimens. There is also great variation in the prominence of the lateral thoracic tuberosities. all dets. H. R. Burke, 2002 |
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
w. NA (AZ-c.TX-SD-s.AB) to n.Mex. - Map , mostly AZ-c.TX
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ophryastes tuberosus LeConte 1853
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ophryastes tuberosus. 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 tuberosus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Ophryastes tuberosus
What is Ophryastes tuberosus?
Ophryastes tuberosus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ophryastes tuberosus?
8.5-14.0 mm
How do you identify Ophryastes tuberosus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Thorax | Thorax nearly twice as wide as long, constricted at apex and base, sides (tuberosities) slightly divergent and notched at middle, surface deeply punctured and very irregular. |
| Elytra | Elytra regularly oval with rows of large, deeply impressed punctures; surface densely covered with cinereous scales and maculate with black. |
| Body | Body beneath and legs densely covered with whitish scales, femora with black spots near the tip. LeConte's series shows considerable variation in the punctation of the elytra, the striae being impressed in some specimens. There is also great variation in the prominence of the lateral thoracic tuberosities. all dets. H. R. Burke, 2002 |
Where is Ophryastes tuberosus found?
Range: w. NA (AZ-c.TX-SD-s.AB) to n.Mex. - Map , mostly AZ-c.TX