European Water Milfoil Weevil
Phytobius leucogaster
This record describes Phytobius leucogaster (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Legs reddish, very slender, Rostrum relatively short. Whole body covered with scale layer, holding an air film beneath it, enabling submerged existence. Scales on midline and sides of pronotum, on underside, and a scutellar spot (which may cover a large part of elytral base) pale, otherwise dark grey to brown. Surface of elytra mottled with small pale spots in variable extent.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Ceutorhynchinae
- Tribe
- Phytobiini
- Genus
- Phytobius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Standing, persistent freshwaters
Geographic Range
holarctic; in NA, YT‒BC‒QC & n US
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Myriophyllum spp. (Haloragaceae) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phytobius leucogaster (Marsham 1802)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phytobius leucogaster. 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 European Water Milfoil Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About European Water Milfoil Weevil
What is European Water Milfoil Weevil?
European Water Milfoil Weevil (Phytobius leucogaster) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is European Water Milfoil Weevil?
2.4‒3 mm
How do you identify European Water Milfoil Weevil?
Legs reddish, very slender, Rostrum relatively short. Whole body covered with scale layer, holding an air film beneath it, enabling submerged existence. Scales on midline and sides of pronotum, on underside, and a scutellar spot (which may cover a large part of elytral base) pale, otherwise dark grey to brown. Surface of elytra mottled with small pale spots in variable extent.
Where is European Water Milfoil Weevil found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Standing, persistent freshwaters |
| Range | holarctic; in NA, YT‒BC‒QC & n US |
What does European Water Milfoil Weevil eat?
The diet of the European Water Milfoil Weevil includes host: Myriophyllum spp. (Haloragaceae) ( 4 ).