Temnocerus macrophthalmus
This record describes Temnocerus macrophthalmus (species). Recorded family: Attelabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
strongly convex eyes are diagnostic (C.W. O'Brien, 25.x.2009) Det. E. G. Riley, 2009 Type Locality: Brownsville, Cameron Co., TX ( 5 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Attelabidae (Leaf Rolling Weevils)
- Subfamily
- Rhynchitinae
- Tribe
- Rhynchitini
- Genus
- Temnocerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
commonly coll'ed via beating at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Rio Hondo, Cameron Co., TX ( 3 )
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Cameron Co.) - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Temnocerus macrophthalmus (Schaeffer)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Temnocerus macrophthalmus. 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 Temnocerus macrophthalmus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Temnocerus macrophthalmus
What is Temnocerus macrophthalmus?
Temnocerus macrophthalmus is a species in the family Attelabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Temnocerus macrophthalmus?
2 mm (Schaeffer 1908)
How do you identify Temnocerus macrophthalmus?
strongly convex eyes are diagnostic (C.W. O'Brien, 25.x.2009) Det. E. G. Riley, 2009
Where is Temnocerus macrophthalmus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | commonly coll'ed via beating at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Rio Hondo, Cameron Co., TX ( 3 ) |
| Range | southmost TX (Cameron Co.) - Map |