Smartweed Node Weevil
Rhinoncus longulus
This record describes Rhinoncus longulus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
elongate form; no prothoracic tubercles; eyes round and barely touch the prothorax in repose; antecoxal ridges very strong but prosternum hardly emarginate in front • Holotype
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
- Rhinoncus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
transcontinental (NT‒BC‒CA to NF‒FL) ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: Polygonum spp. (Polygonaceae) ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Rhinoncus longulus LeConte 1876
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhinoncus longulus. 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 Smartweed Node Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by ghanley1 , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Smartweed Node Weevil
What is Smartweed Node Weevil?
Smartweed Node Weevil (Rhinoncus longulus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Smartweed Node Weevil?
2.1‒3.2 mm
How do you identify Smartweed Node Weevil?
elongate form; no prothoracic tubercles; eyes round and barely touch the prothorax in repose; antecoxal ridges very strong but prosternum hardly emarginate in front • Holotype
Where is Smartweed Node Weevil found?
Range: transcontinental (NT‒BC‒CA to NF‒FL) ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 )
What does Smartweed Node Weevil eat?
The diet of the Smartweed Node Weevil includes Hosts: Polygonum spp. (Polygonaceae) ( 6 ).