Ironweed Curculio
Rhodobaenus tredecimpunctatus
This record describes Rhodobaenus tredecimpunctatus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
elytra and pronotum red with black spots that don't coalesce and don't form patches
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dryophthorinae
- Tribe
- Rhynchophorini
- Genus
- Rhodobaenus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
QC-ON-FL to ID-CA; Mexico
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Breeds in Asteraceae such as cocklebur ( Xanthium ), ironweed ( Vernonia ), joe-pye-weed ( Eupatorium ), ragweed ( Ambrosia )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Rhodobaenus tredecimpunctatus (Illiger 1794)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhodobaenus tredecimpunctatus. 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 Ironweed Curculio (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cotinis , Beatriz Moisset , Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Ironweed Curculio
What is Ironweed Curculio?
Ironweed Curculio (Rhodobaenus tredecimpunctatus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ironweed Curculio?
7-11 mm
How do you identify Ironweed Curculio?
elytra and pronotum red with black spots that don't coalesce and don't form patches
Where is Ironweed Curculio found?
Range: QC-ON-FL to ID-CA; Mexico
What does Ironweed Curculio eat?
The diet of the Ironweed Curculio includes Breeds in Asteraceae such as cocklebur ( Xanthium ), ironweed ( Vernonia ), joe-pye-weed ( Eupatorium ), ragweed ( Ambrosia ).