Colopterus

Erichson, 1842

Colopterus is a of sap-feeding in the , containing approximately 10 described . Species in this genus are associated with fermenting substrates and material. At least one species, C. truncatus, has been documented as a seed of Inga marginata and produces male-specific .

Colopterus maculatus by (c) jimeckert49, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Colopterus maculatus by (c) Alexis Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Smith. Used under a CC-BY license.

Colopterus maculatus by (c) Victor Engel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Victor Engel. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Colopterus: /kəˈlɒptərəs/

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Identification

Members of Colopterus can be distinguished from related by their association with specific substrates and, in the case of C. truncatus, by the production of male-specific containing (2E,4E,6E)-4,6-dimethyl-2,4,6-nonatriene as the major component. Cross-attraction to C. truncatus components occurs in three Carpophilus (C. lugubris, C. antiquus, and C. brachypterus), suggesting careful identification is needed where these genera co-occur.

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Habitat

Associated with fermenting substrates; C. truncatus specifically associated with seeds of Inga marginata in riparian forests, secondary vegetation, forest edges, riverbanks, roadsides, Atlantic and Amazon rainforests, and semi-deciduous forests of the Paraná basin.

Distribution

North America (Vermont, United States); South America (Brazil, first record of C. truncatus). Inga marginata extends throughout South and Central America.

Diet

Sap-feeding ( level); seeds of Inga marginata (C. truncatus specifically).

Host Associations

Inga marginata - seed C. truncatus specifically; seeds are consumed
Bruchophagus sp. - of C. truncatus

Behavior

Males of C. truncatus produce that attract both males and females. activity is synergized by fermenting whole-wheat bread dough.

Ecological Role

Seed (C. truncatus on Inga marginata); part of a tritrophic interaction with potential implications for seed and . Sap-feeding habits suggest involvement in decomposition .

Similar Taxa

Carpophilus lugubrisCross-attraction to C. truncatus components observed; may be attracted to same pheromone lures in field conditions
Carpophilus antiquusCross-attraction to C. truncatus components observed; may be attracted to same pheromone lures in field conditions
Carpophilus brachypterusCross-attraction to C. truncatus components observed; may be attracted to same pheromone lures in field conditions

More Details

Pheromone chemistry

C. truncatus males produce four specific compounds: (2E,4E,6E)-3,5-dimethyl-2,4,6-octatriene, (2E,4E,6E)-4,6-dimethyl-2,4,6-nonatriene (major component), (2E,4E,6E,8E)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-decatetraene, and (2E,4E,6E,8E)-4,6,8-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecatetraene (not electroantennographically active).

Data limitations

Most detailed ecological and behavioral information available only for C. truncatus. -level generalizations for , diet, and distribution are not well supported beyond this single .