Orchestes hortorum
This record describes Orchestes hortorum (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The larvae mine the leaves of Oak creating a gallery along the edge of the leaf leading to a circular blotch, from which a case is cut leaving a round hole. The adult weevil is black with white markings. Mines are commonly found in English Oak, but can also be found in Turkey Oak and Holm Oak Adult and Leafmine : Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Leafmines may occur once Oak is in leaf in early summer. Adults from April to early September. Widespread in the southern half of Britain become scarcer further north. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Coleoptera/o.signifer.htm https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/coleoptera/polyphaga/cucujiformia/curculionoidea/curculionidae/curculioninae/rhamphinini/orchestes/orchestes-avellanae/
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Curculionidae
- Genus
- Orchestes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Areas where Oak is plentiful.
Seasonal Activity
Leafmines may occur once Oak is in leaf in early summer. Adults from April to early September.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in the southern half of Britain become scarcer further north.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Orchestes hortorum. 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 hortorum (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Orchestes hortorum
What is Orchestes hortorum?
Orchestes hortorum is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Orchestes hortorum?
and identifying characters you have observed.
Where is Orchestes hortorum found?
Habitat: Areas where Oak is plentiful.
When is Orchestes hortorum active?
Orchestes hortorum: seasonal activity - Leafmines may occur once Oak is in leaf in early summer. Adults from April to early September..