Rhinocyllus conicus
This record describes Rhinocyllus conicus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length: 4 to 7 mm. A black weevil with a tessellated pattern of pale pubescence on the elytra. The rostrum is very short. Unless identified by a recognised expert, good photos are required that show the key ID features. Also state the beetle's size in the comments box. On thistles in open or disturbed ground. The larvae develop in the heads of Cirsium and Carduus species of thistle. This weevil is native to Eurasia and North Africa but was introduced to the United States for thistle biocontrol in 1969, and it is now widely established in that country. The weevil was found to be very effective in reducing the spread of invasive thistles, particularly musk thistle, but also damaged native thistles and is no longer used for biocontrol.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lixinae
- Tribe
- Rhinocyllini
- Genus
- Rhinocyllus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
On thistles in open or disturbed ground.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae develop in the heads of
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but local in Southern England. The species now seems to be spreading northwards, reaching Warwickshire in 2006 and Leicestershire in 2014.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhinocyllus conicus. 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 Rhinocyllus conicus (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinocyllus conicus
What is Rhinocyllus conicus?
Rhinocyllus conicus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Rhinocyllus conicus?
4 to 7 mm. A black weevil with a tessellated pattern of pale pubescence on the elytra. The rostrum is very short.
Where is Rhinocyllus conicus found?
Habitat: On thistles in open or disturbed ground.
What is the life cycle of a Rhinocyllus conicus?
The larvae develop in the heads of