Two-toned Clay-colored Billbugs have a nose for young corn plants, but cattails will do just fine.
The Clay-colored Billbug is a type of beetle in the Weevil family. The long, duck-like snout and elbow-jointed antennae are commonly seen in many Weevil species. This particular species is a dark brown to auburn color with tan stripes on the abdomen as well as the pronotum.
They feed on bulrushes and reeds, typically found in wet natural areas. If corn fields are nearby, they will also feed on the stems of young corn plants, making them an agricultural pest across the continent. Jaws at the end of the long snout enable the Billbug to eat inner plant tissue. While their feeding activity may not kill the young plant, it can damage it enough to stunt growth and reduce the size of the ears of corn produced. Crop rotation, early planting, and decoy plants are helpful strategies used to minimize impact.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Coleoptera
Family:Curculionidae
Genus:Sphenophorus
Species:dicolor
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Sphenophorus dicolor
Category:
Beetle
Size (Adult; Length): 8mm to 13mm (0.31in to 0.51in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Beetle Anatomy
1
Antennae: Beetles have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and mandibles (jaws).
3
Thorax: Holds the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Elytron: One of two wing cases on a Beetle that protects its wings (plural: elytra).
5
Wings: Appendages used for flying and kept under the elytra until needed.
6
Abdomen: Houses organs related to circulation, reproduction, and excretion.
7
Legs: Beetles have three pairs of legs located at the thorax, numbering six legs in all.
Colors: brown, tan
