Atrichonotus taeniatulus

Definition

A species of broad-nosed weevil (family Curculionidae) native to North America, commonly known as the small lucerne weevil or little fringed weevil. Adults and larvae feed on leguminous crops, particularly alfalfa (lucerne), making it a sporadic agricultural pest in western regions. The species was described by Berg in 1881 and is placed in the genus Atrichonotus, a group characterized by reduced or absent elytral setation and fringed tibiae.

Etymology

From Greek a- (without) + trichos (hair) + notos (back), referring to reduced dorsal setation; taeniatulus diminutive of taeniatus (banded), likely referring to pale elytral markings.

Example

In alfalfa fields of the Pacific Northwest, Atrichonotus taeniatulus larvae prune root crowns while adults notch leaf margins, with damage often mistaken for that of Hypera postica (alfalfa weevil) until specimens are examined for the distinctive fringed hind tibiae and broader rostrum of Atrichonotus.

Synonyms

• small lucerne weevil
• little fringed weevil

Related Terms

• Curculionidae
• broad-nosed weevil
• alfalfa weevil
• root-feeding larvae
• Elytra
• rostrum

Usage Notes

Distinguished from the more economically significant alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica) by body form and tibial armature; specimens require dissection or close examination for confident identification. The common name 'small lucerne weevil' reflects its preference for Medicago sativa and its smaller size relative to other lucerne-feeding weevils.