Ormiscus mitchelli
This record describes Ormiscus mitchelli (species). Recorded family: Anthribidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
marked principally by two dark basal spots on the elytra and two dark lateral spots at the middle of the elytra; antennae with first joint light Det. Boris Büche, 2025 Described from 41 specimens bred from stems of cocklebur ( Xanthium , Asteraceae) by J. D. Mitchell at Victoria, Tex., in March, April, and May, 1908.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Anthribidae (Fungus Weevils)
- Subfamily
- Anthribinae
- Tribe
- Zygaenodini
- Genus
- Ormiscus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (s.TX-s.FL-VA-OH)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae develop in dead plant stems, see Pierce for specifics.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ormiscus mitchelli. 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 Ormiscus mitchelli (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Ormiscus mitchelli
What is Ormiscus mitchelli?
Ormiscus mitchelli is a species in the family Anthribidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ormiscus mitchelli?
2-3 mm
How do you identify Ormiscus mitchelli?
marked principally by two dark basal spots on the elytra and two dark lateral spots at the middle of the elytra; antennae with first joint light Det. Boris Büche, 2025
Where is Ormiscus mitchelli found?
Range: e. US (s.TX-s.FL-VA-OH)
What does Ormiscus mitchelli eat?
The diet of the Ormiscus mitchelli includes larvae develop in dead plant stems, see Pierce for specifics..