Melaleuca Leaf Weevil
Oxyops vitiosus
This record describes Oxyops vitiosus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
introduced to control its host, Melaleuca quinquenervia , an invasive weedy tree from Australia
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Gonipterinae
- Genus
- Oxyops
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
in FL established in dry or seasonally wet habitats but failed to establish in fully aquatic habitats due to a lack of suitable pupation sites
Geographic Range
introduced to s. FL - Map , native to e. coast of Australia
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host: broad-leaved paperbark ( Melaleuca quinquenervia ) . It also feeds on other members of the Myrtaceae family, including native ones, but doesn't seem to cause serious damage.
Life History
see Female lays about 470 eggs in her lifetime. Larval development takes about 28 days. Drop to the ground to pupate. Total time from egg to adult about 48 days.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Oxyops vitiosus Pascoe, 1870
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Oxyops vitiosus. 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 Melaleuca Leaf Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Melaleuca Leaf Weevil
What is Melaleuca Leaf Weevil?
Melaleuca Leaf Weevil (Oxyops vitiosus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Melaleuca Leaf Weevil?
Adult 6-9 mm . Larva can reach 14 mm.
Where is Melaleuca Leaf Weevil found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | in FL established in dry or seasonally wet habitats but failed to establish in fully aquatic habitats due to a lack of suitable pupation sites |
| Range | introduced to s. FL - Map , native to e. coast of Australia |
What does Melaleuca Leaf Weevil eat?
The diet of the Melaleuca Leaf Weevil includes Host: broad-leaved paperbark ( Melaleuca quinquenervia ) . It also feeds on other members of the Myrtaceae family, including native ones, but doesn't seem to cause serious damage..
What is the life cycle of a Melaleuca Leaf Weevil?
see Female lays about 470 eggs in her lifetime. Larval development takes about 28 days. Drop to the ground to pupate. Total time from egg to adult about 48 days.