Bluegrass Billbug
Sphenophorus parvulus
This record describes Sphenophorus parvulus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Small, slender; black but usually coated with opaque gray, pronotum evenly, densely punctured all over except sometimes for median line of varying length, elytra with sinuous intervals. Differs from the similar S. minimus (that also occurs in the same area) in having much denser pronotal punctures, more rounded front angles of the pronotum, and no complete opaque coat covering the raised areas and punctures may severely damage lawns
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
NS-FL to ON-ID-NM
Diet and Behavior
Diet: preferred host: Kentucky blue grass ( Poa pratensis ), but more polyphagous than other congeners
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sphenophorus parvulus Gyllenhal 1838
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sphenophorus parvulus. 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 Bluegrass Billbug (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , onegunah
Frequently Asked Questions About Bluegrass Billbug
What is Bluegrass Billbug?
Bluegrass Billbug (Sphenophorus parvulus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Bluegrass Billbug?
6-8 mm
How do you identify Bluegrass Billbug?
Small, slender; black but usually coated with opaque gray, pronotum evenly, densely punctured all over except sometimes for median line of varying length, elytra with sinuous intervals. Differs from the similar S. minimus (that also occurs in the same area) in having much denser pronotal punctures, more rounded front angles of the pronotum, and no complete opaque coat covering the raised areas and punctures
Where is Bluegrass Billbug found?
Range: NS-FL to ON-ID-NM
What does Bluegrass Billbug eat?
The diet of the Bluegrass Billbug includes preferred host: Kentucky blue grass ( Poa pratensis ), but more polyphagous than other congeners.