Rhopalotria slossoni
This record describes Rhopalotria slossoni (species). Recorded family: Belidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Belidae (Cycad Weevils)
- Genus
- Rhopalotria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
FL endemic (BRE, DAD)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: on Zamia integrifolia (coontie)
Life History
The weevil pollinates the cycad, feeds on cycad pollen, and lays eggs on male cones; has a mutualistic relationship with the cycad Zamia pumila ( Stevenson et al. 1998 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: patronym for entomologist Annie Trumbull Slosson , who collected the type specimen.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhopalotria slossoni. 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 Rhopalotria slossoni (3)
Photo credits: (c) Mike Quinn, San Marcos, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Mike Quinn, San Marcos | (c) Brice C., some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Brice C. | (c) jyhmml, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by jyhmml | Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhopalotria slossoni
Where is Rhopalotria slossoni found?
Range: FL endemic (BRE, DAD)
What does Rhopalotria slossoni eat?
The diet of the Rhopalotria slossoni includes on Zamia integrifolia (coontie).
What is the life cycle of a Rhopalotria slossoni?
The weevil pollinates the cycad, feeds on cycad pollen, and lays eggs on male cones; has a mutualistic relationship with the cycad Zamia pumila ( Stevenson et al. 1998 )