Tychius cuprifer
This record describes Tychius cuprifer (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
front tibia with a distinct tooth ( T. meliloti males also have it, but the body is not nearly as slender) ( R.S. Anderson's comment )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Curculioninae
- Tribe
- Tychiini
- Genus
- Tychius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to w. Palearctic, introduced in NA (MD-VA area)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host plants: Trifolium spp., Teline monspessulana ; also on Rumex obtusifolius (Polygonaceae) in Europe
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tychius cuprifer. 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 Tychius cuprifer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Tychius cuprifer
What is Tychius cuprifer?
Tychius cuprifer is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Tychius cuprifer?
front tibia with a distinct tooth ( T. meliloti males also have it, but the body is not nearly as slender) ( R.S. Anderson's comment )
Where is Tychius cuprifer found?
Range: native to w. Palearctic, introduced in NA (MD-VA area)
What does Tychius cuprifer eat?
The diet of the Tychius cuprifer includes host plants: Trifolium spp., Teline monspessulana ; also on Rumex obtusifolius (Polygonaceae) in Europe.