Clover Root Weevil
Sitona obsoletus
This record describes Sitona obsoletus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
Geographic Range
native to Europe, adventive elsewhere; in NA, transcontinental, mainly south of 50°N to so.CA, NM, NC, SC
Diet and Behavior
Diet: found on a wide array of leguminous plants, especially on alfalfa and clovers
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sitona obsoletus Gmelin 1790
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sitona obsoletus. 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 Clover Root Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Clover Root Weevil
How big is Clover Root Weevil?
4.5‒6 mm ; 3.6–5.0 mm
Where is Clover Root Weevil found?
Range: native to Europe, adventive elsewhere; in NA, transcontinental, mainly south of 50°N to so.CA, NM, NC, SC
What does Clover Root Weevil eat?
The diet of the Clover Root Weevil includes found on a wide array of leguminous plants, especially on alfalfa and clovers.