Strawberry Root Weevil
Sciaphilus asperatus
This record describes Sciaphilus asperatus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This weevil, is 4.5 to 5.5 mm in length, has a very short, blunt-tipped snout, no longer than its head; a light brown to reddish-brown body with extensive black speckling and scattered white scales. The elytra have black punctate striations and short erect hairs; the brown surface scales often become rubbed off, revealing black ground colour in places, giving a black-scratched appearance. Unless identified by a recognised expert, good photos are required that show the key ID features. Also state the beetle's size in the comments box. Widespread in England and Wales, seems to be scarce in the far north of Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Entiminae
- Tribe
- Sciaphilini
- Genus
- Sciaphilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Associated with strawberry plants.
Seasonal Activity
Peak time is May to July.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in England and Wales, seems to be scarce in the far north of Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sciaphilus asperatus. 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 Strawberry Root Weevil (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Root Weevil
What is Strawberry Root Weevil?
Strawberry Root Weevil (Sciaphilus asperatus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Strawberry Root Weevil found?
Habitat: Associated with strawberry plants.
When is Strawberry Root Weevil active?
Strawberry Root Weevil: seasonal activity - Peak time is May to July..