Toxonotus vagus
This record describes Toxonotus vagus (species). Recorded family: Anthribidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
First US record: Arizona, Santa Cruz Co., Santa Rita Mountains, 24-VI-39, D. J. & J. N. Knull Collrs., [OSUC]
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Anthribidae (Fungus Weevils)
- Subfamily
- Anthribinae
- Tribe
- Platystomini
- Genus
- Toxonotus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ-sw.NM to s.Mex. , uncommon
Seasonal Activity
June-July (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Toxonotus vagus (Horn 1894)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Toxonotus vagus. 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 Toxonotus vagus (4)
Photo credits: (c) Ethan, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Ethan | (c) Rosario Mares Gracia, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Rosario Mares Gracia | Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Toxonotus vagus
What is Toxonotus vagus?
Toxonotus vagus is a species in the family Anthribidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Toxonotus vagus found?
Range: AZ-sw.NM to s.Mex. , uncommon
When is Toxonotus vagus active?
Toxonotus vagus: seasonal activity - June-July (BG data).