Pandeleteius cinereus
This record describes Pandeleteius cinereus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Color predominantly gray, thorax with dark fusiform vitta, and two oblique bicolored fasciae of elytra (emphasis added). Det. M. A. Quinn, 2019 Type Locality: Texas
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Entiminae
- Tribe
- Tanymecini
- Genus
- Pandeleteius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ (rare), sc. KS to Nuevo Leon, Mex. - Map (C. W. O'Brien, 14 September, 2009) ( 3 ) , mostly s. Great Plains
Diet and Behavior
Diet: records on juniper “causing death to ends of branches” and “bred from Phoradendron tomentosum (=flavescens) stems.” The most common host label was oak, but occasional specimens were collected on Juniperus, Sideroxylon (=Bumelia) lanuginosum , walnut, pecan, elm, and mesquite.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: cinereus (L). 'ashes'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pandeleteius cinereus. 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 Pandeleteius cinereus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pandeleteius cinereus
What is Pandeleteius cinereus?
Pandeleteius cinereus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pandeleteius cinereus?
Length 3.3 to 4.4 mm
How do you identify Pandeleteius cinereus?
Color predominantly gray, thorax with dark fusiform vitta, and two oblique bicolored fasciae of elytra (emphasis added). Det. M. A. Quinn, 2019
Where is Pandeleteius cinereus found?
Range: AZ (rare), sc. KS to Nuevo Leon, Mex. - Map (C. W. O'Brien, 14 September, 2009) ( 3 ) , mostly s. Great Plains
What does Pandeleteius cinereus eat?
The diet of the Pandeleteius cinereus includes records on juniper causing death to ends of branches and bred from Phoradendron tomentosum (=flavescens) stems. The most common host label was oak, but occasional specimens were collected on Juniperus, Sideroxylon (=Bumelia) lanuginosum , walnut, pecan, elm, and mesquite..