Dodder Gall Weevil
Smicronyx sculpticollis
This record describes Smicronyx sculpticollis (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
- Curculioninae
- Tribe
- Smicronychini
- Genus
- Smicronyx
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
transcontinental (WA-CA-Baja to QC-GA) - Map , mostly e. US to s. Calif.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: dodder ( Cuscuta , Cuscutaceae) , but note that multiple members of the subgenus Smicronyx host on species of Cuscuta .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Smicronyx sculpticollis Casey 1892
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Smicronyx sculpticollis. 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 Dodder Gall Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , onegunah
Frequently Asked Questions About Dodder Gall Weevil
How big is Dodder Gall Weevil?
2.0-2.3 mm
Where is Dodder Gall Weevil found?
Range: transcontinental (WA-CA-Baja to QC-GA) - Map , mostly e. US to s. Calif.
What does Dodder Gall Weevil eat?
The diet of the Dodder Gall Weevil includes host: dodder ( Cuscuta , Cuscutaceae) , but note that multiple members of the subgenus Smicronyx host on species of Cuscuta ..