Sphenophorus maidis
This record describes Sphenophorus maidis (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Large, robust; black or red, usually with coating in elytral interspaces; three bare pronotal stripes merging in front or nearly so; elytra with third and fifth intervals raised and bare in basal third.
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
se US (TX-FL-NS-KS)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sphenophorus maidis Chittenden 1905
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sphenophorus maidis. 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 maidis (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Sphenophorus maidis
What is Sphenophorus maidis?
Sphenophorus maidis is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Sphenophorus maidis?
12-16 mm
How do you identify Sphenophorus maidis?
Large, robust; black or red, usually with coating in elytral interspaces; three bare pronotal stripes merging in front or nearly so; elytra with third and fifth intervals raised and bare in basal third.
Where is Sphenophorus maidis found?
Range: se US (TX-FL-NS-KS)