Red Clover Seed Weevil
Tychius stephensi
This record describes Tychius stephensi (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Red Clover Seed Weevil (Tychius stephensi) is a species in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as snout and bark beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Curculioninae, tribe Tychiini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Curculionoidea. This species belongs to the genus Tychius. Size: 2‒2.5 mm.
Identification notes
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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 Europe, adventive and widespread in NA ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Trifolium spp. (Fabaceae) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tychius stephensi Schönherr 1836
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tychius stephensi. 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 Red Clover Seed Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Guy A. Hanley; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , kschnei , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Clover Seed Weevil
What is Red Clover Seed Weevil?
Red Clover Seed Weevil (Tychius stephensi) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Red Clover Seed Weevil?
2‒2.5 mm
How do you identify Red Clover Seed Weevil?
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Where is Red Clover Seed Weevil found?
Range: native to Europe, adventive and widespread in NA ( 3 ) ( 4 )
What does Red Clover Seed Weevil eat?
The diet of the Red Clover Seed Weevil includes hosts: Trifolium spp. (Fabaceae) ( 4 ).