Apple Flea Weevil
Orchestes pallicornis
This record describes Orchestes pallicornis (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
very hard to separate from the largely sympatric O. mixtus based on external features [do not use keys in ]; positive ID must rely on genitalia, although reliable host data work well, too hind femur moderately to markedly expanded
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 (NF-BC south to FL-TX-n.CA) ( 3 )
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Apr-June (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Prunus , Amelanchier , Crataegus , Pyrus (Rosaceae) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Orchestes pallicornis Say 1831
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Orchestes pallicornis. 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 Apple Flea Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Phillip Harpootlian , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Flea Weevil
What is Apple Flea Weevil?
Apple Flea Weevil (Orchestes pallicornis) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Apple Flea Weevil?
very hard to separate from the largely sympatric O. mixtus based on external features [do not use keys in ]; positive ID must rely on genitalia, although reliable host data work well, too hind femur moderately to markedly expanded
Where is Apple Flea Weevil found?
Range: most of NA (NF-BC south to FL-TX-n.CA) ( 3 )
What does Apple Flea Weevil eat?
The diet of the Apple Flea Weevil includes hosts: Prunus , Amelanchier , Crataegus , Pyrus (Rosaceae) ( 3 ).
When is Apple Flea Weevil active?
Apple Flea Weevil: seasonal activity - mostly: Apr-June (BG data).