Peltophorus polymitus
This record describes Peltophorus polymitus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adults [move] up and down the stalks and hide in the spiny crown of leaves if disturbed. Long bottle forceps are useful in collecting them. They will fly rapidly if startled while on the flower stalk. - C.W. O'Brien, 30.vi.2010
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Conoderinae
- Tribe
- Zygopini
- Genus
- Peltophorus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ to w.TX / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
larvae mine the stalks or seeds of Agave (Kissinger 1964)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Peltophorus polymitus Boheman 1845
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Peltophorus polymitus. 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 Peltophorus polymitus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Peltophorus polymitus
What is Peltophorus polymitus?
Peltophorus polymitus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Peltophorus polymitus found?
Range: AZ to w.TX / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map
What is the life cycle of a Peltophorus polymitus?
larvae mine the stalks or seeds of Agave (Kissinger 1964)