Smicronyx centralis
This record describes Smicronyx centralis (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Description : Rostra of both sexes black, moderately stout, punctate from base to apex; squamose behind the antennal insertion; longer, more tapered and less roughly punctate in female. |
| Head | Head black to piceous, front sparsely squamose. |
| Antennae | Antennae piceous, second funicular segment much longer than third. Prothorax black, punctures of disk transversely oval, interspaces raised as rugae which run laterally from midline; scales white, except brown scales of discal macula, which is rounded and covers most of the disk; prosternum shallowly emarginate, moderately concave. |
| Elytra | Elytra black to piceous; macula regularly shield shaped, extending from the base to slightly behind the middle ; scales outside macula white, with a scattering of very light brown scales. Ventral surface of the thorax and abdomen covered with broadly ovate white scales. Femora clavate, reddish brown , thinly covered with elongate-ovate white scales. Tibiae reddish brown , slightly expanded at apices. Tarsi piceous, first three segments short and broad; claws small, connate forslightly more than half their length, slightly divergent. [emphasis added] Det. M. A. Quinn, 2024 |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Curculioninae
- Tribe
- Smicronychini
- Genus
- Smicronyx
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Plains/Rockies (NM-LA-OK-CO, AB) - Map Map , uncommon
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Jun in TX (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
the only available biological information on this species is a single host-plant record, "on Coreopsis ," Okmulgee, Okla., June 24
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Smicronyx centralis (Dietz) Orig. Comb: Pachyphanes centralis Dietz, 1894
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Smicronyx centralis. 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 Smicronyx centralis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Smicronyx centralis
What is Smicronyx centralis?
Smicronyx centralis is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Smicronyx centralis?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Description : Rostra of both sexes black, moderately stout, punctate from base to apex; squamose behind the antennal insertion; longer, more tapered and less roughly punctate in female. |
| Head | Head black to piceous, front sparsely squamose. |
| Antennae | Antennae piceous, second funicular segment much longer than third. Prothorax black, punctures of disk transversely oval, interspaces raised as rugae which run laterally from midline; scales white, except brown scales of discal macula, which is rounded and covers most of the disk; prosternum shallowly emarginate, moderately concave. |
| Elytra | Elytra black to piceous; macula regularly shield shaped, extending from the base to slightly behind the middle ; scales outside macula white, with a scattering of very light brown scales. Ventral surface of the thorax and abdomen covered with broadly ovate white scales. Femora clavate, reddish brown , thinly covered with elongate-ovate white scales. Tibiae reddish brown , slightly expanded at apices. Tarsi piceous, first three segments short and broad; claws small, connate forslightly more than half their length, slightly divergent. [emphasis added] Det. M. A. Quinn, 2024 |
Where is Smicronyx centralis found?
Range: Plains/Rockies (NM-LA-OK-CO, AB) - Map Map , uncommon
When is Smicronyx centralis active?
Smicronyx centralis: seasonal activity - Mar-Jun in TX (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Smicronyx centralis?
the only available biological information on this species is a single host-plant record, on Coreopsis , Okmulgee, Okla., June 24