Strophosoma melanogrammum
This record describes Strophosoma melanogrammum (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 4 to 6 mm. The elytra are blackish with a covering of bronze-brown scales, but nearer to the pronotum there is an area where these scales are thinned out or absent so that the black beneath shows through. 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. Well wooded areas, hedgerows and even parks and gardens. All year, but mainly seen from the end of April to late autumn. Larvae feed on the roots of various herbaceous plants. Widespread and always fairly frequent in Britain, although numbers can vary significantly from year to year.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Entiminae
- Tribe
- Brachyderini
- Genus
- Strophosoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Well wooded areas, hedgerows and even parks and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
All year, but mainly seen from the end of April to late autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae feed on the roots of various herbaceous plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and always fairly frequent in Britain, although numbers can vary significantly from year to year.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Strophosoma melanogrammum. 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 Strophosoma melanogrammum (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Strophosoma melanogrammum
What is Strophosoma melanogrammum?
Strophosoma melanogrammum is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Strophosoma melanogrammum?
4 to 6 mm. The elytra are blackish with a covering of bronze-brown scales, but nearer to the pronotum there is an area where these scales are thinned out or absent so that the black beneath shows through.
Where is Strophosoma melanogrammum found?
Habitat: Well wooded areas, hedgerows and even parks and gardens.
When is Strophosoma melanogrammum active?
Strophosoma melanogrammum: seasonal activity - All year, but mainly seen from the end of April to late autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Strophosoma melanogrammum?
Larvae feed on the roots of various herbaceous plants.