Maize weevil
Sitophilus zeamais
This record describes Sitophilus zeamais (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
externally, almost indistinguishable from, and often confused with, S. oryzae (only male genitalia provide reliable diagnostic features), although tends to be larger and darker ; the two may form mixed infestations a common pest of grain crops in tropical regions worldwide; adults fly from granaries to fields to start infestations that continue in storage
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
- Sitophilus (Granary Weevils)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native range unknown , now cosmopolitan in warmer climes; in our area, recorded across the US but not established in Canada (unlike S. oryzae )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
see
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky 1855
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sitophilus zeamais. 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 Maize weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Maize weevil
What is Maize weevil?
Maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Maize weevil?
ca. 4 mm
How do you identify Maize weevil?
externally, almost indistinguishable from, and often confused with, S. oryzae (only male genitalia provide reliable diagnostic features), although tends to be larger and darker ; the two may form mixed infestations
Where is Maize weevil found?
Range: native range unknown , now cosmopolitan in warmer climes; in our area, recorded across the US but not established in Canada (unlike S. oryzae )
What is the life cycle of a Maize weevil?
see