Milkweed Stem Weevil
Rhyssomatus lineaticollis
This record describes Rhyssomatus lineaticollis (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Rh. lineaticollis reduces the growth of Labidomera clivicollis and Danaus plexippus ( 8 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Molytinae
- Tribe
- Cholini
- Genus
- Rhyssomatus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
prairies and pastures
Geographic Range
QC‒FL to ON‒ND‒TX‒UT
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Asclepias spp. ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ; adults feed on leaves, stems, buds, and pods ( 6 ) ( 7 ) :
Life History
Adults initially feed on apical leaves; females then walk to lower parts of the stem and chew a series of holes, creating a scar, then lay one egg per hole; larvae complete development inside the stem feeding on pith. ( Agrawal 2005 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Rhyssomatus lineaticollis (Say 1824)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhyssomatus lineaticollis. 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 Milkweed Stem Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Milkweed Stem Weevil
What is Milkweed Stem Weevil?
Milkweed Stem Weevil (Rhyssomatus lineaticollis) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Milkweed Stem Weevil?
5.5–6.5 mm
Where is Milkweed Stem Weevil found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | prairies and pastures |
| Range | QC‒FL to ON‒ND‒TX‒UT |
What does Milkweed Stem Weevil eat?
The diet of the Milkweed Stem Weevil includes hosts: Asclepias spp. ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ; adults feed on leaves, stems, buds, and pods ( 6 ) ( 7 ) :.
What is the life cycle of a Milkweed Stem Weevil?
Adults initially feed on apical leaves; females then walk to lower parts of the stem and chew a series of holes, creating a scar, then lay one egg per hole; larvae complete development inside the stem feeding on pith. ( Agrawal 2005 )