Neltumius
Bridwell, 1946
pea and bean weevils
Species Guides
2- Neltumius arizonensis(Black and White Black Variegated Bruchid)
- Neltumius texanus(Snakewood Bruchid)
Neltumius is a of weevils in the leaf beetle Chrysomelidae, established by Bridwell in 1946. The genus contains at least three described , all described by Schaeffer in 1904 and distributed in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. These beetles are commonly referred to as pea and bean weevils, suggesting association with leguminous plants. The genus is relatively small and poorly documented in scientific literature.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neltumius: //nɛlˈtuː.mi.us//
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Identification
Members of Neltumius can be distinguished from other Chrysomelidae by their weevil-like form combined with placement in the leaf beetle rather than Curculionidae (true weevils). The three described differ in geographic distribution: N. arizonensis from Arizona, N. texanus from Texas, and N. gibbithorax with a broader southwestern range. Specific morphological characters separating species remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Images
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and adjacent northern Mexico. Specific microhabitat preferences are not well documented.
Distribution
Southwestern United States (Arizona, Texas) and northern Mexico. The three show some geographic partitioning: Neltumius arizonensis in Arizona, Neltumius texanus in Texas, and Neltumius gibbithorax across the broader region.
Human Relevance
The 'pea and bean weevils' suggests potential association with cultivated legumes, though specific economic impact or pest status has not been documented in available sources.
Similar Taxa
- BruchusAlso called pea and bean weevils and associated with legume seeds, but Bruchus belongs to Chrysomelidae Bruchinae, whereas Neltumius classification within Chrysomelidae is less precisely documented
- Curculionidae (true weevils)Neltumius has a weevil-like and possibly similar body form, but belongs to Chrysomelidae (leaf beetles) rather than the weevil Curculionidae, which have geniculate and a distinct rostrum structure
More Details
Taxonomic history
All three were originally described in 1904 by Schaeffer under different and later transferred to Neltumius when Bridwell established the genus in 1946. The genus has received limited taxonomic attention since its description.
Data gaps
Despite being established nearly 80 years ago, Neltumius remains poorly known. No comprehensive revision, phylogenetic analysis, or detailed biological study has been published. Most information is limited to original descriptions and taxonomic catalog entries.