Sitona hispidulus
This record describes Sitona hispidulus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 3 to 6 mm. This weevil is noticeably bristly. It usually has a golden coppery or greenish metallic appearance when fresh, but when the scales rub off it appears much blacker. Unless identified by a recognised expert, good photos are required that show the key ID features. Also state the beetle's size in the comments box. Fresh adults appear in mid to late summer and overwinter. Associated with clover, the larvae feeding on the root nodule. Common and widespread in England and Wales, less so in Scotland.
Wikipedia reference for Sitona hispidulus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sitona_hispidulus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Entiminae
- Tribe
- Sitonini
- Genus
- Sitona
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Where clover is abundant.
Seasonal Activity
Fresh adults appear in mid to late summer and overwinter.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Associated with clover, the larvae feeding on the root nodule.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in England and Wales, less so in Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sitona hispidulus. 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 Sitona hispidulus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sitona hispidulus
What is Sitona hispidulus?
Sitona hispidulus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Sitona hispidulus?
3 to 6 mm. This weevil is noticeably bristly. It usually has a golden coppery or greenish metallic appearance when fresh, but when the scales rub off it appears much blacker.
Where is Sitona hispidulus found?
Habitat: Where clover is abundant.
When is Sitona hispidulus active?
Sitona hispidulus: seasonal activity - Fresh adults appear in mid to late summer and overwinter..
What is the life cycle of a Sitona hispidulus?
Associated with clover, the larvae feeding on the root nodule.