Trichobaris compacta
This record describes Trichobaris compacta (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Baridinae
- Tribe
- Baridini
- Genus
- Trichobaris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw. US (CA-w.TX, s.UT) & Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae only survived in Datura wrightii (Angel Trumpet) stems , Syn: Datura inoxia
Life History
Lee et al. examined the host-selection behaviours of two sympatric weevils, the Datura (Trichobaris compacta) and tobacco (T. mucorea) weevils in field and glasshouse experiments... Adult females of both species strongly preferred to feed on D. wrightii rather than on N. attenuata leaves, but T. mucorea preferred to oviposit on N. attenuata, while T. compacta oviposited only on D. wrightii. These oviposition behaviours increased offspring performance: T. compacta larvae only survived in D. wrightii stems and T. mucorea larvae survived better in N. attenuata than in D. wrightii stems.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Trichobaris compacta Casey 1892
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Trichobaris compacta. 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 Trichobaris compacta (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by margarethe brummermann; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Trichobaris compacta
Where is Trichobaris compacta found?
Range: sw. US (CA-w.TX, s.UT) & Mex. - Map
What does Trichobaris compacta eat?
The diet of the Trichobaris compacta includes larvae only survived in Datura wrightii (Angel Trumpet) stems , Syn: Datura inoxia.
What is the life cycle of a Trichobaris compacta?
Lee et al. examined the host-selection behaviours of two sympatric weevils, the Datura (Trichobaris compacta) and tobacco (T. mucorea) weevils in field and glasshouse experiments... Adult females of both species strongly preferred to feed on D. wrightii rather than on N. attenuata leaves, but T. mucorea preferred to oviposit on N. attenuata, while T. compacta oviposited only on D. wrightii. These oviposition behaviours increased offspring performance: T. compacta larvae only survived in D. wrightii stems and T. mucorea larvae survived better in N. attenuata than in D. wrightii stems.