Timothy Billbug
Sphenophorus zeae
This record describes Sphenophorus zeae (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
very large punctures along striae of elytra; beak humped at base
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
coastal salt-spray barrens, pinelands, hay fields, corn fields
Geographic Range
se. Canada and most of the US, except the northwest: NS-FL west to ON-ND-CO-CA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Timothy ( Phleum pratense ), Kentucky Bluegrass ( Poa pratensis )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sphenophorus zeae Walsh 1867
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sphenophorus zeae. 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 Timothy Billbug (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Timothy Billbug
What is Timothy Billbug?
Timothy Billbug (Sphenophorus zeae) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Timothy Billbug?
very large punctures along striae of elytra; beak humped at base
Where is Timothy Billbug found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | coastal salt-spray barrens, pinelands, hay fields, corn fields |
| Range | se. Canada and most of the US, except the northwest: NS-FL west to ON-ND-CO-CA |
What does Timothy Billbug eat?
The diet of the Timothy Billbug includes Timothy ( Phleum pratense ), Kentucky Bluegrass ( Poa pratensis ).