Smicronyx corpulentus
This record describes Smicronyx corpulentus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | surface of antennal club rufous to ferruginous Description : Rostra of both sexes black, moderately curved, finely punctate from base to apex, sparsely squamose behind antennal insertions; slightly longer, smoother and more tapered in female than in male. |
| Head | Head black, finely alutaceous, front thinly covered witb light yellow scales. |
| Antennae | Antennae black, club rufopiceous, closely pubescent. Prothorax black, disk closely and coarsely punctate; scales yellowish white to very light brown, except darker brown scales in a subquadrate maculation which covers center of disk. Scales of elytra white to light brown, except for dark brown scales of discal maculation (which is irregular in shape and very indistinct in some specimens ). Venter of thorax and abdomen closely covered with white, broadly ovate scales. Femora moderately clavate, black to rufopiceous, covered with elongate-ovate white scales. Tibiae rufopiceous, slightly expanded at apex, scales similar to those of femora. Tarsi black, covered with yellowish white scales, first three segments rather short and broad, claws connate near base, moderately divergent. [emphasis added] Type Locality: Louisiana |
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
se. US (MD-FL to KS-TX) - Map Map , common
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Aug
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Helenium amarum (=tenuifolium) ; takes from plants of several families
Life History
Biology
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Smicronyx corpulentus LeConte 1876
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Smicronyx corpulentus. 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 corpulentus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Smicronyx corpulentus
What is Smicronyx corpulentus?
Smicronyx corpulentus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Smicronyx corpulentus?
2.0-3.3 mm
How do you identify Smicronyx corpulentus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | surface of antennal club rufous to ferruginous Description : Rostra of both sexes black, moderately curved, finely punctate from base to apex, sparsely squamose behind antennal insertions; slightly longer, smoother and more tapered in female than in male. |
| Head | Head black, finely alutaceous, front thinly covered witb light yellow scales. |
| Antennae | Antennae black, club rufopiceous, closely pubescent. Prothorax black, disk closely and coarsely punctate; scales yellowish white to very light brown, except darker brown scales in a subquadrate maculation which covers center of disk. Scales of elytra white to light brown, except for dark brown scales of discal maculation (which is irregular in shape and very indistinct in some specimens ). Venter of thorax and abdomen closely covered with white, broadly ovate scales. Femora moderately clavate, black to rufopiceous, covered with elongate-ovate white scales. Tibiae rufopiceous, slightly expanded at apex, scales similar to those of femora. Tarsi black, covered with yellowish white scales, first three segments rather short and broad, claws connate near base, moderately divergent. [emphasis added] |
Where is Smicronyx corpulentus found?
Range: se. US (MD-FL to KS-TX) - Map Map , common
What does Smicronyx corpulentus eat?
The diet of the Smicronyx corpulentus includes host: Helenium amarum (=tenuifolium) ; takes from plants of several families.
When is Smicronyx corpulentus active?
Smicronyx corpulentus: seasonal activity - Jun-Aug.
What is the life cycle of a Smicronyx corpulentus?
Biology