Temnocerus perplexus
This record describes Temnocerus perplexus (species). Recorded family: Attelabidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Temnocerus perplexus (Temnocerus perplexus) is a species in the family Attelabidae, commonly known as leaf rolling weevils, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Rhynchitinae, tribe Rhynchitini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Curculionoidea. This species belongs to the genus Temnocerus. Size: 1.6-2.0 mm.
Identification notes
very closely resembles T. aeratus
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
Geographic Range
across e. NA (NS-MB to GA-KS)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Temnocerus perplexus (Blatchley 1916)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Temnocerus perplexus. 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 perplexus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Temnocerus perplexus
What is Temnocerus perplexus?
Temnocerus perplexus is a species in the family Attelabidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Temnocerus perplexus?
1.6-2.0 mm
How do you identify Temnocerus perplexus?
very closely resembles T. aeratus
Where is Temnocerus perplexus found?
Range: across e. NA (NS-MB to GA-KS)