European Elm Flea Weevil
Orchestes steppensis
This record describes Orchestes steppensis (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
adventive in NA (ON-ND-BC south to VA-MO-UT-OR) - Map , most records from New England to Colorado, native to E. Palaearctic
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: elms ( Ulmus )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Orchestes steppensis Korotyaev 2016
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Orchestes steppensis. 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 European Elm Flea Weevil (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About European Elm Flea Weevil
How big is European Elm Flea Weevil?
2.6-3.1 mm, usually 2.8-2.9 mm
Where is European Elm Flea Weevil found?
Range: adventive in NA (ON-ND-BC south to VA-MO-UT-OR) - Map , most records from New England to Colorado, native to E. Palaearctic
What does European Elm Flea Weevil eat?
The diet of the European Elm Flea Weevil includes hosts: elms ( Ulmus ).