Rhinusa asellus
This record describes Rhinusa asellus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Curculioninae
- Tribe
- Mecinini
- Genus
- Rhinusa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Native to Europe, the Caucasus, and Turkey , adventive in US (NY,VT,MA,NH,ME)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Verbascum spp.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Rhinusa asellus (Gravenhorst 1807)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhinusa asellus. 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 Rhinusa asellus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Marc DiGirolomo; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinusa asellus
How big is Rhinusa asellus?
2.6-4.5 mm
Where is Rhinusa asellus found?
Range: Native to Europe, the Caucasus, and Turkey , adventive in US (NY,VT,MA,NH,ME)
What does Rhinusa asellus eat?
The diet of the Rhinusa asellus includes hosts: Verbascum spp..