Trigonoscutoides texanus
This record describes Trigonoscutoides texanus (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
- Entiminae
- Tribe
- Tanymecini
- Genus
- Trigonoscutoides
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
O'Brien (1977) collected a long series at several localities by sifting sand under shin oak ( Quercus sp.). Weevils were 3" to 12" below the surface only in areas were shin oak grew. Weevils also collected at night walking on sand surface and feeding on the shin oak (O'Brien 1977)
Geographic Range
Endemic to sand dune area near Monahans in Ward County, TX - Map (O'Brien 1977)
Seasonal Activity
Mar-July ( 3 ) , frequent collecting trips in the summer, fall, and winter were all unsuccessful. (O'Brien 1977)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: adults collected on and under Havard's oak ( Quercus havardii )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Trigonoscutoides texanus O'Brien, 1977
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Trigonoscutoides texanus. 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 Trigonoscutoides texanus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by egordon88
Frequently Asked Questions About Trigonoscutoides texanus
Where is Trigonoscutoides texanus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | O'Brien (1977) collected a long series at several localities by sifting sand under shin oak ( Quercus sp.). Weevils were 3" to 12" below the surface only in areas were shin oak grew. Weevils also collected at night walking on sand surface and feeding on the shin oak (O'Brien 1977) |
| Range | Endemic to sand dune area near Monahans in Ward County, TX - Map (O'Brien 1977) |
What does Trigonoscutoides texanus eat?
The diet of the Trigonoscutoides texanus includes adults collected on and under Havard's oak ( Quercus havardii ).
When is Trigonoscutoides texanus active?
Trigonoscutoides texanus: seasonal activity - Mar-July ( 3 ) , frequent collecting trips in the summer, fall, and winter were all unsuccessful. (O'Brien 1977).