Mile-a-minute Weevil
Rhinoncomimus latipes
This record describes Rhinoncomimus latipes (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
during 2004-2007, released and established in e. US (NJ-PA-DE-MD-WV) to combat the Mile-a-minute Weed ( Persicaria perfoliata )
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
- Rhinoncomimus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to e. Asia , introduced in e. US as a weed control agent
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Polygonum thunbergii in e. Asia , Persicaria perfoliata (= Polygonum perfoliatum ) in our area
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Rhinoncomimus latipes Korotyaev 1997
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhinoncomimus latipes. 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 Mile-a-minute Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset
Frequently Asked Questions About Mile-a-minute Weevil
What is Mile-a-minute Weevil?
Mile-a-minute Weevil (Rhinoncomimus latipes) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Mile-a-minute Weevil found?
Range: native to e. Asia , introduced in e. US as a weed control agent
What does Mile-a-minute Weevil eat?
The diet of the Mile-a-minute Weevil includes hosts: Polygonum thunbergii in e. Asia , Persicaria perfoliata (= Polygonum perfoliatum ) in our area.