Japanese Fungus Weevil
Ozotomerus japonicus
This record describes Ozotomerus japonicus (species). Recorded family: Anthribidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
i found one of these familiar-looking anthribids (i've seen a lot in the Far East) in Essex Co., NJ before i joined BG and became familiar with the nearctic fauna. i didn't think much of it: after all, many genera exhibit the E Asia + e NA distribution pattern -- but i kept the specimen, forgot about it, rediscovered the specimen after having had moved to Texas, realized that the species doesn't belong in NA, and sent the bug to Rick Hoebeke -- who has since found more specimens of it collected in that general area by others (publication coming up, as he just told me)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Anthribidae (Fungus Weevils)
- Subfamily
- Anthribinae
- Genus
- Ozotomerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to E Asia, adventive in our area (NYC area)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ozotomerus japonicus Sharp 1891
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ozotomerus japonicus. 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 Japanese Fungus Weevil (4)
Photo credits: (c) WonGun Kim, all rights reserved, uploaded by WonGun Kim | Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese Fungus Weevil
What is Japanese Fungus Weevil?
Japanese Fungus Weevil (Ozotomerus japonicus) is a species in the family Anthribidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Japanese Fungus Weevil?
5-10 mm [from memory; quite variable]
Where is Japanese Fungus Weevil found?
Range: native to E Asia, adventive in our area (NYC area)