Trigonorhinus tomentosus
This record describes Trigonorhinus tomentosus (species). Recorded family: Anthribidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Species shows a great deal of variation (leading to multiple synonyms) due to geographic and seasonal variation involving clines from north to south, east to west, and summer to fall.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Anthribidae (Fungus Weevils)
- Subfamily
- Anthribinae
- Genus
- Trigonorhinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
QC-OR south to Honduras - Map , mostly e. US to AZ
Diet and Behavior
Diet: In e. US adults feed on the pollen of common ragweed ( Ambrosia artemisiifolia ), oviposition is in the male flowers, and larvae bore in the stems
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Trigonorhinus tomentosus (Say 1827) tomentosus (L). 'dawny'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Trigonorhinus tomentosus. 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 Trigonorhinus tomentosus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by margarethe brummermann; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Trigonorhinus tomentosus
What is Trigonorhinus tomentosus?
Trigonorhinus tomentosus is a species in the family Anthribidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Trigonorhinus tomentosus?
Species shows a great deal of variation (leading to multiple synonyms) due to geographic and seasonal variation involving clines from north to south, east to west, and summer to fall.
Where is Trigonorhinus tomentosus found?
Range: QC-OR south to Honduras - Map , mostly e. US to AZ
What does Trigonorhinus tomentosus eat?
The diet of the Trigonorhinus tomentosus includes In e. US adults feed on the pollen of common ragweed ( Ambrosia artemisiifolia ), oviposition is in the male flowers, and larvae bore in the stems.