Sphenophorus cazieri
This record describes Sphenophorus cazieri (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
distinctive small species with hatchet-like rostrum and no spur at inner edge of protibia a rare species known from a handful of specimens; Vaurie only saw the holotype (from Corpus Cristi) and one unlabeled specimen ; i found one specimen from Cameron Co. (TAMUIC). =v=
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
Geographic Range
coastal s. TX - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
coll'ed via night sweeping (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sphenophorus cazieri Vaurie 1951
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sphenophorus cazieri. 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 Sphenophorus cazieri (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Sphenophorus cazieri
What is Sphenophorus cazieri?
Sphenophorus cazieri is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Sphenophorus cazieri?
7-8 mm
How do you identify Sphenophorus cazieri?
distinctive small species with hatchet-like rostrum and no spur at inner edge of protibia
Where is Sphenophorus cazieri found?
Range: coastal s. TX - Map
What is the life cycle of a Sphenophorus cazieri?
coll'ed via night sweeping (BG data)