Pseudapion rufirostre
This record describes Pseudapion rufirostre (species). Recorded family: Apionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Size 2.1 to 2.8 mm. Body black with a distinct metallic green lustre antennae and legs are mostly pale orange-yellow. The rostrum is long and curved; in the female as long as the head and pronotum combined and entirely dark metallic, in the male as long as the pronotum and pale orange in the apical half or two-thirds. Pseudapion rufirostre is distinctive from the other Mallow Weevils by having pale orange legs. The rostrum on males is also the same colour, but almost black on females. Unless identified by a recognised expert, photographic evidence is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used. Note the beetle's size and describe the identifying characters. Also note the host plant you found the specimen on. It is advisable to retain the specimen in case further checks are needed. Found on Mallows growing on waste ground or roadside verges etc. In the UK it is locally frequent in England north to Nottingham and mostly coastal in the West Country and Wales. It appears to be absent from Scotland.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Apionidae
- Genus
- Pseudapion
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found on Mallows growing on waste ground or roadside verges etc.
Seasonal Activity
Late April to August.
Additional species information
Recorded status
In the UK it is locally frequent in England north to Nottingham and mostly coastal in the West Country and Wales. It appears to be absent from Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pseudapion rufirostre. 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 Pseudapion rufirostre (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pseudapion rufirostre
What is Pseudapion rufirostre?
Pseudapion rufirostre is a species in the family Apionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pseudapion rufirostre?
2.1 to 2.8 mm. Body black with a distinct metallic green lustre antennae and legs are mostly pale orange-yellow. The rostrum is long and curved; in the female as long as the head and pronotum combined and entirely dark metallic, in the male as long as the pronotum and pale orange in the apical half or two-thirds.
Where is Pseudapion rufirostre found?
Habitat: Found on Mallows growing on waste ground or roadside verges etc.
When is Pseudapion rufirostre active?
Pseudapion rufirostre: seasonal activity - Late April to August..