Nutgrass Billbug
Sphenophorus cariosus
This record describes Sphenophorus cariosus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult: blackish with pale gray markings; pronotum with black diamond-shaped raised vitta in median region; elytra with large and widely-spaced fovae along striae destructive to corn in MO ( 4 ) ; can be a pest in Hawaii
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
- Sphenophorus (Billbugs)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
wetland margins ( 3 )
Geographic Range
e. NA (NS-FL-NE-TX) to Guatemala; Hawaii - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Shortbristle Horned Beaksedge ( Rhynchospora corniculata ), Cyperus, Scirpus , corn
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sphenophorus cariosus (Olivier 1807)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sphenophorus cariosus. 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 Nutgrass Billbug (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Nutgrass Billbug
What is Nutgrass Billbug?
Nutgrass Billbug (Sphenophorus cariosus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Nutgrass Billbug?
Adult: blackish with pale gray markings; pronotum with black diamond-shaped raised vitta in median region; elytra with large and widely-spaced fovae along striae
Where is Nutgrass Billbug found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | wetland margins ( 3 ) |
| Range | e. NA (NS-FL-NE-TX) to Guatemala; Hawaii - Map |
What does Nutgrass Billbug eat?
The diet of the Nutgrass Billbug includes Shortbristle Horned Beaksedge ( Rhynchospora corniculata ), Cyperus, Scirpus , corn.