Rhinusa tetra
This record describes Rhinusa tetra (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
more stout than other NA spp.; posterior margin of pronotum more than twice as wide as anterior margin released to combat common mullein before 1916 ( 5 )
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
adventive in NA (BC‒CA to ME‒GA) - Map , native to, and widespread across, the Palaearctic
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae mine stems of Verbascum ; adults also on Scrophularia also commonly feeds on stems of Asclepias syriaca
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Rhinusa tetra (Fabricius)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhinusa tetra. 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 tetra (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Phillip Harpootlian , tom murray , Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinusa tetra
What is Rhinusa tetra?
Rhinusa tetra is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Rhinusa tetra?
2.0‒4.5 mm
How do you identify Rhinusa tetra?
more stout than other NA spp.; posterior margin of pronotum more than twice as wide as anterior margin
Where is Rhinusa tetra found?
Range: adventive in NA (BC‒CA to ME‒GA) - Map , native to, and widespread across, the Palaearctic
What does Rhinusa tetra eat?
The diet of the Rhinusa tetra includes larvae mine stems of Verbascum ; adults also on Scrophularia also commonly feeds on stems of Asclepias syriaca.