×
BugFinder Insects by State Spiders Butterflies & Moths Bees, Ants, & Wasps Beetles All Bugs Videos (YouTube)

Knapweed Root Weevil (Cyphocleonus achates)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Knapweed Root Weevil


Loading SVG image placeholder
1/3
Image Credit: Tom H. from WA
Full-sized image of the Knapweed-Root-Weevil-Beetle Thumbnail image of the Knapweed-Root-Weevil-Beetle
2/3
Image Credit: Tom H. from WA
Full-sized image #2 of the Knapweed-Root-Weevil-Beetle Thumbnail image #2 of the Knapweed-Root-Weevil-Beetle
3/3
Image Credit: Tom H. from WA
Full-sized image #3 of the Knapweed-Root-Weevil-Beetle Thumbnail image #3 of the Knapweed-Root-Weevil-Beetle

Brought to the continent to battle knapweed, this light-colored weevil helps control the growth of the aggressive weed.



Updated: 02/14/2023; Authored By ; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Spotted Knapweed is a Eurasian plant that was first seen in North America in the late 1800s. It is highly invasive thanks to a chemical in its roots that prevents other plants from growing near it. Native plants cannot compete with it, so a patch of Spotted Knapweed can eventually become a field. Enter the Knapweed Root Weevil! This beetle is a natural predator of the plant, and its larvae feast on the roots from winter to summer. Their feeding behavior hampers the host plant's health, weakening it or killing it. Though it takes a few summers, with a large enough population of Knapweed Root Weevils, the spread of the weed diminishes and native grasses and flowers can return. This is an excellent example of an effective biological control since this species only eats Knapweed. In areas with chronic Knapweed growth, local Extension offices should be able to help landowners find a good source for purchasing these weevils and recommend the best time to disperse them in that area.

Spotted Knapweed grows in central and western prairies in Canada and the northern U.S. The weevil's range coincides with this. It is a mottled white and light brown color with small black specks all over their body. A black midline runs the length of its 'nose'. Legs are also light-colored, and it may be difficult to find despite its large size (for a weevil). It does not bite or sting. If you see one on a plant, leave it be. It is doing a great service to the ecosystem.©InsectIdentification.org




Known Diet of the Knapweed-Root-Weevil-Beetle



knapweed roots
Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.InsectIdentification.org. It is the product of hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, educators, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at InsectIdentification AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.


General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Insect antennae icon
Patterned insect icon


Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Insecta
      Order: Coleoptera
        Family: Curculionidae
View More
          Genus: Cyphocleonus
View More
            Species: achates

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Cyphocleonus achates
Other Name(s): Root Boring Weevil
Category: Beetle
Size (Adult; Length): 15mm to 18mm (0.59" to 0.70")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: white; brown; yellow
Descriptors: tiny black dots; mottled color; pale; light-colored; long nose; snout; bent antennae; white legs; tubular


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 15mm (0.6in) and 18mm (0.7in)
Lo: 15mm
Md: 16.5mm
Hi: 18mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
State of Alabama graphic
State of Arizona graphic
State of Arkansas graphic
State of California graphic
State of Colorado graphic
State of Delware graphic
State of Florida graphic
State of Georgia graphic
State of Idaho graphic
State of Illinois graphic
State of Indiana graphic
State of Iowa graphic
State of Kansas graphic
State of Kentucky graphic
State of Louisiana graphic
State of Maine graphic
State of Maryland graphic
State of Michigan graphic
State of Minnesota graphic
State of Mississippi graphic
State of Missouri graphic
State of Montana graphic
State of Nebraska graphic
State of Nevada graphic
State of New England graphic
State of New Jersey graphic
State of New Mexico graphic
State of New York graphic
State of North Carolina graphic
State of North Dakota graphic
State of Ohio graphic
State of Oklahoma graphic
State of Oregon graphic
State of Pennsylvania graphic
State of South Carolina graphic
State of South Dakota graphic
State of Tennessee graphic
State of Texas graphic
State of Utah graphic
State of Virginia graphic
State of Washington graphic
State of West Virginia graphic
State of Wisconsin graphic
State of Wyoming graphic
Canadian territory of Alberta graphic
Canadian territory of British Columbia graphic
Canadian territory of Manitoba graphic
Canadian territory of New Brunswick graphic
Canadian territory of Newfoundland and Labrador graphic
Canadian territory of Ontario graphic
Canadian territory of Quebec graphic
Canadian territory of Saskatchewan graphic
Territory map graphic of the country of Mexico
Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic
Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Knapweed Root Weevil may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Knapweed Root Weevil. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
Site Disclaimer  |  Privacy Policy  |  Cookies  |  Sitemap
Beetle Identification Butterfly Identification Caterpillar Identification Spider ID Fungal Infections on Insects Nursery Web Spider Official State Insects Termite Basics Insect Molting Process Bugs of Tennessee House Centipede JoroSpider.org

2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • Content ©2006-2024 InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved. The InsectIdentification.org logo, its written content, and watermarked photographs/imagery are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and is protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. Material presented throughout this website is for entertainment value and should not to be construed as usable for scientific research or medical advice (regarding bites, etc...).Please consult licensed, degreed professionals for such information. By submitting images to us (InsectIdentification.org) you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Site Disclaimer as it pertains to "User-Submitted Content". Images in JPG format are preferred with a minimum horizontal dimension of 1000px if possible. When emailing please include your location and the general estimated size of the specimen in question if possible. Please direct all inquiries and comments to insectidentification AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

©2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2006-2024 (18yrs)