Agave Weevil
Scyphophorus acupunctatus
This record describes Scyphophorus acupunctatus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
see important pest of cultivated agaves; larvae used as food in parts of Mexico; one of several species put into tequila (actually mezcal) bottles
Identification notes
see
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
- Scyphophorus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw US (CA to WY‒NE‒TX) & FL to n. S. America; W. Indies - Map ; originated in the New World, spread globally to many arid and tropical regions wherever Agave spp. have been introduced
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae mine roots and stems of Agave and Furcraea ; also recorded on Yucca and Manfreda
Life History
in Kenya, takes 50‒90 days
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scyphophorus acupunctatus Gyllenhaal 1838
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Scyphophorus acupunctatus. 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 Agave Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Agave Weevil
What is Agave Weevil?
Agave Weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Agave Weevil?
8‒19 mm
How do you identify Agave Weevil?
see
Where is Agave Weevil found?
Range: sw US (CA to WY‒NE‒TX) & FL to n. S. America; W. Indies - Map ; originated in the New World, spread globally to many arid and tropical regions wherever Agave spp. have been introduced
What does Agave Weevil eat?
The diet of the Agave Weevil includes larvae mine roots and stems of Agave and Furcraea ; also recorded on Yucca and Manfreda.
What is the life cycle of a Agave Weevil?
in Kenya, takes 50‒90 days