Sphenophorus venatus
This record describes Sphenophorus venatus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Small to medium; black or red, bare or coated; pronotum with three bare vittae, the median enclosing an apical depression, the laterals not reaching the apex; elytra variable, but strial punctures much larger than interval punctures
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. Canada , most of the US; Mexico, West Indies
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sphenophorus venatus ( Say 1831)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sphenophorus venatus. 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 venatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Ted Kropiewnicki , v belov , onegunah
Frequently Asked Questions About Sphenophorus venatus
What is Sphenophorus venatus?
Sphenophorus venatus is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Sphenophorus venatus?
8-11 mm
How do you identify Sphenophorus venatus?
Small to medium; black or red, bare or coated; pronotum with three bare vittae, the median enclosing an apical depression, the laterals not reaching the apex; elytra variable, but strial punctures much larger than interval punctures
Where is Sphenophorus venatus found?
Range: se. Canada , most of the US; Mexico, West Indies