Phaenomerus foveipennis
This record describes Phaenomerus foveipennis (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
recognizable among all North American weevils by their small size (3–4 mm), elongate-slender body form, and especially by the distinctive elongate, ventrally toothed hind legs with the femur much greater in length than the strongly curved, short tibia. (Schnepp and Anderson, 2021) Thirty specimens collected (2013-2020) in se.Alabama, sw.Georgia, and from the Florida panhandle. (Schnepp and Anderson, 2021) first US records coll'ed June 2013, Dale County, Alabama (Schnepp and Anderson, 2021)
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
- Phaenomerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
adventive to se US (sw.GA-se.AL-FL panhandle) (Schnepp and Anderson, 2021), recently found in s. LA and eTX (iNat and BG data, 2025) , Introduced from Asia
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Jul, Oct, Dec (Schnepp and Anderson, 2021)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phaenomerus foveipennis (Morimoto, 1961)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phaenomerus foveipennis. 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 Phaenomerus foveipennis (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by ADeczynski; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phaenomerus foveipennis
What is Phaenomerus foveipennis?
Phaenomerus foveipennis is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Phaenomerus foveipennis?
3–4 mm (Schnepp and Anderson, 2021)
How do you identify Phaenomerus foveipennis?
recognizable among all North American weevils by their small size (3–4 mm), elongate-slender body form, and especially by the distinctive elongate, ventrally toothed hind legs with the femur much greater in length than the strongly curved, short tibia. (Schnepp and Anderson, 2021)
Where is Phaenomerus foveipennis found?
Range: adventive to se US (sw.GA-se.AL-FL panhandle) (Schnepp and Anderson, 2021), recently found in s. LA and eTX (iNat and BG data, 2025) , Introduced from Asia
When is Phaenomerus foveipennis active?
Phaenomerus foveipennis: seasonal activity - Apr-Jul, Oct, Dec (Schnepp and Anderson, 2021).