Orchid Weevil
Orchidophilus aterrimus
This record describes Orchidophilus aterrimus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
the most frequently intercepted and noxious species of the genus; earliest record in our area: DC 1906
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Baridinae
- Tribe
- Madarini
- Genus
- Orchidophilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Native to Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and possibly Thailand, introduced and established on a number of tropical Pacific islands; adventive but not established in Canada, US, some European countries and Brazil
Diet and Behavior
Diet: associated with Orchidaceae: Cypripedioideae
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Orchidophilus aterrimus (Waterhouse 1874)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Orchidophilus aterrimus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orchid Weevil
What is Orchid Weevil?
Orchid Weevil (Orchidophilus aterrimus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Orchid Weevil?
2.7–6.0 mm
Where is Orchid Weevil found?
Range: Native to Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and possibly Thailand, introduced and established on a number of tropical Pacific islands; adventive but not established in Canada, US, some European countries and Brazil
What does Orchid Weevil eat?
The diet of the Orchid Weevil includes associated with Orchidaceae: Cypripedioideae.