fungus weevils

Definition

Members of the weevil family Anthribidae (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea), distinguished from true weevils (Curculionidae) by a straight, non-geniculate antenna that lacks a distinct club, and by larvae and adults that feed primarily on fungal mycelia, bracket fungi, or decaying wood rather than living plant tissues. The family includes economically significant pests such as the coffee bean weevil (Araecerus fasciculatus) as well as numerous cryptic species associated with dead wood and fungal fruiting bodies in forest ecosystems.

Etymology

From the association of most species with fungal food sources and their superficial resemblance to true weevils (Curculionidae).

Example

Araecerus fasciculatus, a widespread fungus weevil, infests stored coffee beans and cocoa, while the genus Toxonotus includes species with dramatically enlarged mandibles in males.

Synonyms

• Anthribidae

Related Terms

• weevils
• Curculionidae
• mycophagy
• bark beetles
• bracket fungi
• stored product pests

Usage Notes

Despite the common name, fungus weevils are not a subgroup within Curculionidae but a separate family; the straight antenna is the quickest diagnostic feature separating them from true weevils with elbowed antennae. The family shows considerable morphological diversity, with some genera lacking the characteristic rostrum entirely.