Lilac Root Weevil
Otiorhynchus meridionalis
This record describes Otiorhynchus meridionalis (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Y-shaped carina on the rostrum diagnostic among NA spp. earliest record in our area: CA 1931
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Entiminae
- Tribe
- Otiorhynchini
- Genus
- Otiorhynchus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to the Mediterranean, adventive in NA and widespread in w. US (WA-CA to MT-NM)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: adults feed on Oleaceae ( Forsythia, Ligustrum, Olea, Syringa ); larvae polyphagous ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Otiorhynchus (Otiorhynchus) meridionalis Gyllenhal 1834
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Otiorhynchus meridionalis. 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 Lilac Root Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chuck Entz; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Lilac Root Weevil
What is Lilac Root Weevil?
Lilac Root Weevil (Otiorhynchus meridionalis) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Lilac Root Weevil?
6.5-9.0 mm
How do you identify Lilac Root Weevil?
Y-shaped carina on the rostrum diagnostic among NA spp.
Where is Lilac Root Weevil found?
Range: native to the Mediterranean, adventive in NA and widespread in w. US (WA-CA to MT-NM)
What does Lilac Root Weevil eat?
The diet of the Lilac Root Weevil includes hosts: adults feed on Oleaceae ( Forsythia, Ligustrum, Olea, Syringa ); larvae polyphagous ( 3 ) ( 4 ).