Thief Weevil
Pterocolus ovatus
This record describes Pterocolus ovatus (species). Recorded family: Attelabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Attelabidae (Leaf Rolling Weevils)
- Subfamily
- Pterocolinae
- Genus
- Pterocolus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
on many trees and shrubs ; in c. TX, mostly on Quercus buckleyi
Geographic Range
e US to AZ - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: kleptoparasite of leaf rolls prepared by various Attelabinae ( Synolabus bipustulatus, Himatolabus pubescens, Homoeolabus analis ):
Life History
Adult waits for an attelabine to complete the nidus [leaf roll], enters it while the leaf tissues are still soft, works its way around the leaf layers, and eats the host's egg (adults of both sexes eat nothing but attelabine eggs)[cite:185010]
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pterocolus ovatus (Fabricius 1801)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pterocolus ovatus. 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 Thief Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , ceiseman , v belov , metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Thief Weevil
How big is Thief Weevil?
2.0-3.7 mm
Where is Thief Weevil found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | on many trees and shrubs ; in c. TX, mostly on Quercus buckleyi |
| Range | e US to AZ - Map |
What does Thief Weevil eat?
The diet of the Thief Weevil includes kleptoparasite of leaf rolls prepared by various Attelabinae ( Synolabus bipustulatus, Himatolabus pubescens, Homoeolabus analis ):.
What is the life cycle of a Thief Weevil?
Adult waits for an attelabine to complete the nidus [leaf roll], enters it while the leaf tissues are still soft, works its way around the leaf layers, and eats the host's egg (adults of both sexes eat nothing but attelabine eggs)[cite:185010]