Mediterranean Sage Root Crown Weevil
Phrydiuchus tau
This record describes Phrydiuchus tau (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
first released: OR 1971 to control Mediterranean sage
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Ceutorhynchinae
- Tribe
- Ceutorhynchini
- Genus
- Phrydiuchus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to Europe, established at several locations in CA, CO, ID, OR
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Mediterranean sage ( Salvia aethiopis )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phrydiuchus tau Warner 1969
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phrydiuchus tau. 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 Mediterranean Sage Root Crown Weevil (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset
Frequently Asked Questions About Mediterranean Sage Root Crown Weevil
What is Mediterranean Sage Root Crown Weevil?
Mediterranean Sage Root Crown Weevil (Phrydiuchus tau) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Mediterranean Sage Root Crown Weevil found?
Range: native to Europe, established at several locations in CA, CO, ID, OR
What does Mediterranean Sage Root Crown Weevil eat?
The diet of the Mediterranean Sage Root Crown Weevil includes host: Mediterranean sage ( Salvia aethiopis ).