Weevil
Guides
Pseudopentarthrum simplex
Pseudopentarthrum simplex is a species of true weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae, described by Thomas L. Casey in 1892. It is a small weevil species found in North America. Very little detailed biological information is publicly available for this species. It belongs to a genus whose members are typically associated with dead or decaying wood.
Pseudorimus
Pseudorimus is a genus of broad-nosed weevils (subfamily Entiminae) in the family Curculionidae. The genus was established by Van Dyke in 1934 and contains at least two described species: P. granicollis and P. orbicollis, both described in the same year. It belongs to the tribe Byrsopagini. The genus is currently accepted in taxonomic databases, though Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym of Crocidema, indicating taxonomic uncertainty.
Psomus
Psomus is a genus of true weevils in the beetle family Curculionidae, established by Thomas L. Casey in 1892. The genus contains five described species distributed in North America. Species within this genus are small weevils with limited published ecological or biological information available.
Pterocolus
thief weevils
Pterocolus is a genus of thief weevils in the family Attelabidae, containing approximately 16 described species. The genus is characterized by kleptoparasitic behavior, wherein members exploit the leaf nests constructed by other weevils rather than building their own. The most studied species, Pterocolus ovatus, has been documented in Florida where it parasitizes the leaf-rolling weevil Homoeolabus analis. The genus was established by Thomas Say in 1831.
Pterocolus ovatus
thief weevil, leaf roll thief
Pterocolus ovatus is a small weevil known as the thief weevil or leaf roll thief. It is an obligate kleptoparasite that exploits the leaf nests constructed by the oak leaf-rolling weevil, Homoeolabus analis. The species is found in North America, with records from the United States and Canada.
Purealus
Purealus is a monotypic genus of cleonine weevils (Curculionidae: Lixinae: Cleonini) endemic to the southwestern United States. The genus was erected to accommodate Purealus beckelorum, a species that cannot be placed in existing North American genera Apleurus or Scaphomorphus due to a unique combination of morphological characters. The genus is distinguished by two autapomorphies within Cleonini: a distinctly tumescent and asperate base of elytral interval 3, and widely separated procoxae. The single known species is winter-active and ground-dwelling in arid environments.
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.
Raymondionyminae
Raymondionyminae is a subfamily of small, primarily blind weevils within the family Brachyceridae. Members are characterized by reduced or absent eyes, an adaptation associated with subterranean or soil-dwelling habits. The subfamily includes at least four genera: Alaocybites, Gilbertiola, Schizomicrus, and Bordoniola. Most species are poorly known, with the majority of records coming from South America.
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.
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 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
yucca weevils, bearded weevil, bottle brush weevil
Rhinostomus is a genus of weevils in the family Dryophthoridae, tribe Rhinostomini. The genus contains approximately eight species distributed across the Neotropics. Several species, particularly R. barbirostris, are significant pests of palms (Arecaceae), causing damage through larval and adult feeding that can lead to palm mortality. The genus was formerly known as Yuccaborus, which was synonymized with Rhinostomus in 2002.
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 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
Rhodobaenus is a genus of weevils containing at least 130 described species. These beetles are characterized by the elongated snout typical of the weevil family. The genus has been documented in North America, with records from the United States and Colombia. One species, Rhodobaenus quinquepunctatus, has been recorded as a pest of sunflowers in Texas.
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.
Rhodobaenus tredecimpunctatus
Ironweed Curculio, Cocklebur Weevil
Rhodobaenus tredecimpunctatus is a weevil species in the family Dryophthoridae, commonly known as the ironweed curculio or cocklebur weevil. It occurs throughout North America and is associated with plants in the Asteraceae family. The species name 'tredecimpunctatus' refers to thirteen spots, likely describing the adult color pattern. It belongs to a genus whose members are often associated with herbaceous plants and are sometimes considered minor agricultural pests.
Rhopalapion
Rhopalapion is a genus of brentid weevils characterized by an elongate body, elongate antennal club, and strong sexual dimorphism in rostrum length, with females possessing a noticeably longer rostrum. The genus is strictly associated with Malvaceae host plants in the genus Alcea. Two species are currently recognized: the widespread and rapidly expanding R. longirostre (hollyhock weevil), and the more geographically restricted R. celatum from the Turanian Region. R. longirostre has undergone dramatic range expansion since the 1960s from central Asia across Europe to North America, attributed to climate change response and anthropogenic dispersal.
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.
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.
Rhyncolini
Rhyncolini is a tribe of weevils within the subfamily Cossoninae (family Curculionidae). The tribe comprises approximately 50 described genera distributed across multiple continents. Members of this tribe are characterized by their association with dead or decaying wood, where they develop as larvae. The genus Rhyncolus serves as the type genus for the tribe.
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 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.
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 calandroides
Scaphomorphus calandroides is a weevil species in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Lixinae. The species was originally described as Lixus calandroides by Randall in 1838 and later transferred to the genus Scaphomorphus. It is a North American species with limited documented occurrence records. As a member of the Lixinae, it belongs to a group of weevils commonly known as 'lixine weevils,' which are typically associated with herbaceous plants. The genus Scaphomorphus contains species with somewhat cylindrical body forms and elongated rostra.
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).