Brentidae

Definition

A cosmopolitan family of weevils (superfamily Curculionoidea) characterized by straight, non-elbowed antennae and typically elongate, flattened bodies. Members are primarily xylophagous, feeding on wood and associated fungi. Formerly circumscribed more narrowly, the family now includes the subfamilies Apioninae, Cyladinae, and Nanophyinae (transferred from Curculionidae) and Ithycerinae (previously a separate family). Brentidae represent one of several weevil lineages retaining the plesiomorphic condition of straight antennae, contrasting with the geniculate (elbowed) antennae typical of most Curculionidae.

Etymology

From Brentus (type genus) + -idae (family suffix); Brentus derived from Greek brentos, referring to a shriek or cry, possibly alluding to stridulation or the appearance of the rostrum.

Example

The straight-snouted weevil genus Brentus, with its dramatically elongated rostrum in males, exemplifies the morphological diversity within Brentidae and their departure from the compact, elbowed-antenna form of true Curculionidae.

Synonyms

• Straight-snouted weevils

Related Terms

• Curculionidae
• Belidae
• Curculionoidea
• Apioninae
• rostrum
• geniculate antennae
• xylophagy
• Ithycerinae

Usage Notes

The family concept has expanded substantially through molecular phylogenetics; older literature may treat Apioninae and allies as separate families or as Curculionidae subfamilies. The common name "primitive weevils" is ambiguous and also applied to Belidae, so is best avoided in precise contexts. The straight antennae are diagnostic but not unique (also in Nemonychidae and Anthribidae), so Brentidae are best recognized by the combination of straight antennae, elongate body, and reduced scutellum.