Curculionidae
Guides
Pycnobaris nigrostriata
Pycnobaris nigrostriata is a species of flower weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. It was described by H.C. Fall in 1913. As a member of Curculionidae, it possesses the characteristic elongated snout (rostrum) typical of weevils. The species is known from North America, though detailed ecological information remains limited.
Pycnobaris pruinosa
flower weevil
Pycnobaris pruinosa is a species of flower weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae, first described by Thomas L. Casey in 1892. The species is known from North America. As a member of Curculionidae, it possesses the characteristic elongated rostrum typical of weevils. Beyond basic taxonomic and geographic information, specific details about its biology, ecology, and behavior remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Rhigopsis
broad-nosed weevils
Rhigopsis is a genus of broad-nosed weevils in the family Curculionidae, established by LeConte in 1874. The genus contains at least two described species: R. effracta and R. simplex. As members of the subfamily Entiminae, these weevils are characterized by their broad, short rostrum (snout) compared to other weevil groups. The genus has been recorded from Mexico and the United States.
Rhinocyllini
Rhinocyllini is a tribe of weevils within the subfamily Lixinae, characterized by their association with thistles (Asteraceae: Cardueae). Members are recognized by their distinctive rostrum structure and have been studied for their potential as biological control agents against invasive thistle species. The tribe includes economically significant genera such as Rhinocyllus, which has been introduced to multiple countries to manage thistle populations.
Rhinocyllus
thistle head weevil
Rhinocyllus is a small genus of true weevils (Curculionidae) comprising four described species. The genus is notable for its specialized association with thistles in the subtribe Carduinae. The most widely known species, R. conicus, was introduced to North America in the 1960s as a biological control agent for invasive thistles including musk thistle (Carduus nutans), but subsequently revealed significant non-target impacts on native North American thistles, including threatened and endangered species. The genus is sister to Bangasternus.
Rhinocyllus conicus
thistle head weevil, nodding thistle receptacle weevil
Rhinocyllus conicus is a small true weevil native to Eurasia and North Africa, introduced to North America in 1969 as a biological control agent for invasive thistles. Adults are black with yellowish mottled hairs, up to 6 mm long, with a short snout. Females lay eggs on thistle flower heads, which larvae enter to feed on developing seeds and flower parts, preventing seed production. While effective at controlling invasive thistles like musk thistle, the weevil was found to attack native North American thistles as well, leading to cancellation of its distribution permits in 2000.
Rhinoncomimus
Rhinoncomimus is a genus of minute seed weevils in the family Curculionidae, established by Wagner in 1940. The genus comprises approximately eight described species distributed in Eastern Asia, with China representing a center of diversity. One species, R. latipes (the mile-a-minute weevil), has been extensively studied and deployed as a biological control agent for the invasive vine Persicaria perfoliata in North America. The genus is characterized by host associations with Polygonaceae, particularly Persicaria and Polygonum species.
Rhinoncomimus latipes
mile-a-minute weevil
Rhinoncomimus latipes is a specialist weevil in the family Curculionidae, native to Asia and introduced to North America in 2004 as a biological control agent for the invasive vine Persicaria perfoliata (mile-a-minute weed). The species exhibits strict host specificity, having been found to successfully reproduce only on this plant. Adults overwinter in leaf litter and emerge in spring to feed and mate. The weevil has proven effective at reducing mile-a-minute populations where established, though its dispersal rate is relatively slow at approximately 4.3 km per year.
Rhinoncus bruchoides
Rhinoncus bruchoides is a weevil species in the family Curculionidae, first described by Herbst in 1784. The species has been documented in Belgium and Nova Scotia, Canada. As a member of the genus Rhinoncus, it belongs to a group of weevils associated with Polygonaceae plants. The species name 'bruchoides' refers to its resemblance to seed beetles in the family Bruchidae.
Rhinoncus castor
Rhinoncus castor is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, first described by Gyllenhal in 1837. The species is provisionally accepted in taxonomic databases and has distribution records from Alaska, United States. As a member of the weevil family, it possesses the characteristic rostrum (snout) typical of Curculionidae, though specific morphological details for this species remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Rhinoncus longulus
Smartweed Node Weevil
Rhinoncus longulus is a small weevil in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the Smartweed Node Weevil. The species is documented from multiple Canadian provinces and is associated with Polygonaceae host plants. Like other members of the genus Rhinoncus, this species likely develops within the stems or nodes of its host plants. The specific epithet 'longulus' refers to its somewhat elongated body form relative to congeners.
Rhinoncus pyrrhopus
A small weevil species in the family Curculionidae, described from the Pacific Northwest region of North America. The species name "pyrrhopus" (Greek for "fire-footed") likely refers to reddish coloration on the legs. Very few records exist for this species, with limited observational data available.
Rhinostomus frontalis
yucca weevil
Rhinostomus frontalis is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, historically classified under the genus Yuccaborus and commonly known as the yucca weevil. The species was described by LeConte in 1874. It belongs to a group of snout and bark beetles, though specific ecological details remain limited in published literature.
Rhinusa antirrhini
toadflax seedhead weevil, toadflax capsule weevil, seed-gall weevil, Toadflax Seed Weevil
Rhinusa antirrhini is a seed-parasitic true weevil (Curculionidae) native to Europe that has been introduced to North America. It specializes on toadflax species (Linaria spp.), particularly Dalmatian toadflax (L. dalmatica) and yellow toadflax (L. vulgaris). Despite intentional redistribution as a biological control agent in the 1990s, it has not proven effective at suppressing invasive toadflax populations. Population genetic studies reveal host-associated genetic differentiation driven by associations with different Linaria species.
Rhinusa neta
Rhinusa neta is a seed-feeding weevil in the family Curculionidae, native to Europe and introduced to North America as a biological control agent for invasive toadflax species. Adults are active from May to August. Larvae develop inside seed capsules of host plants, feeding on immature seeds. The complete development cycle from egg to adult averages approximately 60 days under standard laboratory conditions.
Rhinusa tetra
Mullein Weevil, European Curculionid Weevil
Rhinusa tetra is a true weevil in the family Curculionidae, tribe Mecinini, commonly known as the mullein weevil. It is a European species that has been proposed as a potential biological control agent for invasive Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) in North America. The species was first described by Fabricius in 1792 and belongs to the taxonomically revised R. tetra species complex, which includes three closely related species: R. comosa, R. moroderi, and R. verbasci.
Rhodobaenus quinquepunctatus
cocklebur weevil
A medium-sized weevil distinguished by its striking red-and-black spotted coloration. The cocklebur weevil is primarily known as a pest of sunflowers, where larvae tunnel through stalk pith and roots. Adults and larvae have been documented causing economic damage in agricultural settings, particularly in Texas sunflower production. The species is found throughout North America.
Rhoptobaris
flower weevils
Rhoptobaris is a genus of small weevils in the family Curculionidae, commonly referred to as flower weevils. The genus was established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1876 and contains five described species distributed in North America. These beetles are associated with flowers, though specific ecological details remain limited.
Rhoptobaris canescens
Rhoptobaris canescens is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1876. The specific epithet 'canescens' refers to a grayish or hoary appearance, suggesting the species exhibits this coloration. It is classified within the genus Rhoptobaris, a group of weevils whose members are generally associated with particular host plants. The species is provisionally accepted in taxonomic databases and has distribution records indicating presence in North America.
Rhynchophorini
Rhynchophorini is the largest tribe within the weevil subfamily Dryophthorinae. Members are characterized by a pygidium (the seventh abdominal tergite) that remains exposed and is not covered by the elytra. The tribe includes some of the largest weevils in the subfamily, notably significant agricultural pests such as grain weevils (Sitophilus) and palm weevils (Rhynchophorus). Historically, this group was treated as a distinct subfamily, Rhynchophorinae, within the family Dryophthoridae.
Rhynchophorus ferrugineus
Red Palm Weevil, Asian Palm Weevil, Sago Palm Weevil
Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is a large snout beetle and one of the most destructive pests of palm trees worldwide. Native to tropical Asia, it has become invasive across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, causing severe economic damage to coconut, date, and oil palm plantations. Larvae tunnel deep into palm trunks, excavating galleries up to 1 meter long that destroy vascular tissue and typically kill the host plant. The species is frequently confused with R. vulneratus, a closely related species with which it shares common names and overlapping ranges.
Rhynchus
Rhynchus is a genus of weevils (family Curculionidae) described by Kissinger in 1964. The genus belongs to the superfamily Curculionoidea and is classified within the subfamily Curculioninae. The name is also used in other biological contexts, including as a root in acanthocephalan parasite names (e.g., Neoechinorhynchus), but these are not congeneric.
Rhynchus apiculatus
hidden snout weevil
Rhynchus apiculatus is a species of hidden snout weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Kissinger in 1964. It is the sole member of the monotypic genus Rhynchus. The genus name derives from the Greek ῥύγχος (rhynchos), meaning snout. The species has been recorded from North America.
Rhyncolus brunneus
Rhyncolus brunneus is a species of true weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae, first described by Mannerheim in 1843. It is native to North America with documented occurrences in Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and New Brunswick). As a member of the genus Rhyncolus, it belongs to a group of weevils associated with coniferous trees. The species has been observed in limited numbers on iNaturalist, suggesting it may be relatively uncommon or underreported.
Rhyncolus californicus
Rhyncolus californicus is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, first described by Wollaston in 1873. The species epithet 'californicus' indicates an association with California. As a member of the genus Rhyncolus, it belongs to a group of weevils whose members are typically associated with dead or decaying wood and fungal substrates. The species is provisionally accepted in taxonomic databases, indicating some uncertainty regarding its current taxonomic status or the need for further revisionary work.
Rhyncolus cercocarpus
Rhyncolus cercocarpus is a species of true weevil described by Thatcher in 1940. The specific epithet 'cercocarpus' references its association with mountain mahogany (genus Cercocarpus), a favored host plant of related beetle groups. As a member of the genus Rhyncolus, it belongs to a group of weevils typically associated with woody plants. The species is known to occur in North America, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Rhyncolus cylindricollis
Rhyncolus cylindricollis is a species of true weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae, first described by Hustache in 1933. It is native to North America. The genus Rhyncolus comprises small weevils that are typically associated with wood-boring habits.
Rhyncolus knowltoni
Rhyncolus knowltoni is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Thatcher in 1940. The genus Rhyncolus belongs to the true weevils, a large and diverse group of beetles characterized by their elongated snouts. This species is known from limited collection records across the Canadian Prairie Provinces.
Rhyncolus minor
Rhyncolus minor is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Cossoninae. Members of the genus Rhyncolus are typically associated with dead wood and are considered secondary colonizers of decaying timber. This species is part of a group of small, cylindrical weevils characterized by elongated rostra and fossorial (burrowing) habits.
Rhyssomatus
Rhyssomatus is a genus of true weevils (Curculionidae) containing at least 180 described species. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, particularly of soybean and other leguminous crops. Several species have been intensively studied due to their economic impact, including R. nigerrimus (Mexican soybean weevil), R. subtilis (black soybean weevil in Argentina), and R. lineaticollis (milkweed stem weevil in North America). Species exhibit diverse life histories ranging from monophagous specialists to oligophagous generalists on legumes.
Rhyssomatus aequalis
Rhyssomatus aequalis is a species of true weevil in the family Curculionidae, first described by George Henry Horn in 1873. It is native to North America with confirmed records from Canada (Ontario and Québec) and the United States. As a member of the hyperdiverse weevil family, this species exemplifies the remarkable diversity of the Curculionidae, which contains over 60,000 described species worldwide.
Rhyssomatus annectens
Rhyssomatus annectens is a species of true weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. It is found in North America, with specific distribution records from Vermont and the United States. The species is part of the diverse weevil genus Rhyssomatus, which includes several species associated with leguminous plants.
Rhyssomatus fissilis
Rhyssomatus fissilis is a species of true weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae, first described by Burke in 1961. It is native to North America. The genus Rhyssomatus contains several species associated with leguminous plants, including significant agricultural pests of soybean.
Rhyssomatus pruinosus
Rhyssomatus pruinosus is a species of true weevil in the family Curculionidae. Described by LeConte and Horn in 1876, this beetle is known from North America. The specific epithet "pruinosus" refers to a frosted or pruinose appearance. As a member of the genus Rhyssomatus, it belongs to a group of weevils that includes several species associated with leguminous plants.
Rhyssomatus pubescens
Rhyssomatus pubescens is a species of true weevil in the family Curculionidae, found in North America. The species was described by Horn in 1873. It is one of approximately 11 species in the genus Rhyssomatus, a group of small weevils whose biology and host associations remain poorly documented for most species. Unlike the congener R. nigerrimus, which is a significant soybean pest in Mexico, or R. subtilis, which damages soybean pods in Argentina, the specific biology and economic importance of R. pubescens has not been established.
Rhyssomatus suspected-new
A suspected new species in the weevil genus Rhyssomatus, family Curculionidae. The genus Rhyssomatus contains several economically significant agricultural pests, most notably R. subtilis (the "black weevil" or "picudo negro") which is a major pest of soybean in Tucumán Province, Argentina, and R. nigerrimus, the soybean weevil of Mexico. Members of this genus are characterized by their association with leguminous crops, particularly soybean and dry beans, with larvae typically developing within pods or stems and adults feeding on foliage. The suspected-new designation indicates this taxon has been observed but not yet formally described or fully characterized.
Rhyssomatus texanus
Rhyssomatus texanus is a species of true weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. It is found in North America. The species was described by Sleeper in 1954. Beyond this basic taxonomic information, little detailed biological or ecological data is available for this specific species in the provided sources.
Rileyonymus
minute seed weevils
Rileyonymus is a genus of minute seed weevils in the family Curculionidae. It contains a single described species, R. relictus. The genus was established by W.G. Dietz in 1896.
Sapotes longipilis
Sapotes longipilis is a broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by Van Dyke in 1934. It is a member of the subfamily Entiminae and tribe Ophryastini. The species is known from arid regions of the southwestern United States.
Scaphomorphus
Scaphomorphus is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, first described by Motschulsky in 1860. The genus contains species that appear to be associated with specific host plants, particularly legumes. One documented species, Scaphomorphus subcylindricus, has been recorded from Florida where it was found on the endemic plant Lupinis ocalensis (Ocala lupine). The genus is part of the diverse weevil fauna of North America, with records from the southeastern United States.
Scaphomorphus americanus
Scaphomorphus americanus is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae. The genus Scaphomorphus comprises lixine weevils, and this species is one of several in the genus found in North America. Very little specific information has been published about the biology or ecology of this particular species.
Scaphomorphus boucardi
Scaphomorphus boucardi is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae. The genus Scaphomorphus belongs to the weevil subfamily Lixinae. This species is part of a genus of elongate, cylindrical weevils found in the Americas. Very little specific information is available about this particular species in published literature.
Scaphomorphus collaris
Scaphomorphus collaris is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Lixinae. The genus Scaphomorphus comprises lixine weevils, with several species exhibiting endemic distributions in Florida. Members of this genus are associated with specific host plants, including lupines.
Scaphomorphus erysimi
Scaphomorphus erysimi is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Lixinae. The species was originally described by Fall in 1901 under the genus Cleonus and later transferred to Scaphomorphus. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Cleonus erysimi in some taxonomic databases, though iNaturalist maintains it under Scaphomorphus. Very little is known about this species' biology or distribution beyond basic taxonomic records.
Scaphomorphus longinasus
Scaphomorphus longinasus is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Lixinae, originally described by Anderson in 1987 under the genus Cleonidius. It is a North American species with limited available information on its biology and ecology. The genus Scaphomorphus contains species associated with various host plants, though specific details for S. longinasus remain sparse. Based on GBIF records, the species has been documented as present in North America.
Scaphomorphus pleuralis
Scaphomorphus pleuralis is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, genus Scaphomorphus. The genus Scaphomorphus is a group of lixine weevils (subfamily Lixinae) distributed in the Americas. The species epithet 'pleuralis' refers to lateral (pleural) features, likely describing some aspect of the thoracic structure. Very few documented observations of this species exist, with only a single observation recorded on iNaturalist, indicating it is either rare, cryptic, or under-collected. The genus is related to Scaphomorphus subcylindricus, a Florida endemic found on Lupinus ocalensis (Ocala lupine).
Scaphomorphus puberulus
Scaphomorphus puberulus is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae, described by LeConte in 1876. It belongs to the genus Scaphomorphus, a group of lixine weevils found in North America. The species is documented from the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Manitoba, though specific details about its biology, host associations, and ecology remain poorly known in published literature.
Scaphomorphus texanus
Scaphomorphus texanus is a weevil species in the family Curculionidae. The genus Scaphomorphus is endemic to North America. No specific ecological or behavioral information has been documented for this particular species in available sources.
Scaphomorphus trivittatus
Scaphomorphus trivittatus is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae. The species was originally described by Thomas Say in 1832 and has historically been known under the synonym Boisea trivittatus. It is native to western Canada and is not the same organism as the boxelder bug (Boisea trivittata), a common true bug that shares a similar former scientific name. The species has been recorded in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
Sciaphilini
Sciaphilini is a tribe of weevils within the subfamily Entiminae, family Curculionidae. The tribe was established by Sharp in 1891 and contains approximately 50 genera distributed across multiple continents. Members of this tribe are part of the broad-nosed weevil group, characterized by their relatively unconstrained rostrum structure compared to other curculionid lineages.