Orchestes mixtus
This record describes Orchestes mixtus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
hind femur slightly to moderately expanded discussion of a 2007 outbreak in Dallas of the Elm flea weevil - Mike Merchant, 2007
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Curculioninae
- Tribe
- Rhamphini
- Genus
- Orchestes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
most of NA: NS-FL to BC-CA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Betulaceae ( Alnus, Betula, Carpinus, Corylus ) & Ulmus
Life History
Reportedly overwinter as adults under bark and loose debris, and may be found congregating on the sides of buildings in the fall
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Orchestes mixtus Blatchley 1916
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Orchestes mixtus. 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 Orchestes mixtus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Ben Coulter , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Orchestes mixtus
What is Orchestes mixtus?
Orchestes mixtus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Orchestes mixtus?
2.5-2.8 mm
How do you identify Orchestes mixtus?
hind femur slightly to moderately expanded
Where is Orchestes mixtus found?
Range: most of NA: NS-FL to BC-CA
What does Orchestes mixtus eat?
The diet of the Orchestes mixtus includes hosts: Betulaceae ( Alnus, Betula, Carpinus, Corylus ) & Ulmus.
What is the life cycle of a Orchestes mixtus?
Reportedly overwinter as adults under bark and loose debris, and may be found congregating on the sides of buildings in the fall