Colopterus truncatus

(Randall, 1838)

Colopterus truncatus is a sap-feeding in the with a broad distribution across the Americas. It has been documented as a seed of Inga marginata in Brazil, representing the first record of this trophic interaction. Males produce a -specific composed of polyene hydrocarbons that attracts both sexes, with field activity requiring with fermenting substrates. The species has also been identified as a principal of in Minnesota, highlighting its significance in both agricultural and forest .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Colopterus truncatus: /kəˈlɒptərəs trʌŋˈkeɪtəs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Distribution

Caribbean Sea, Central America, North America, and South America; Galápagos Islands

Diet

Seeds of Inga marginata; sap-feeding also reported

Host Associations

  • Inga marginata - seed First documented record of this association in Brazil
  • Bruchophagus sp. - of C. truncatus documented in tritrophic interaction study
  • Quercus spp. - Principal of in Minnesota

Behavior

Males produce an containing four male-specific polyene hydrocarbons: (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. attraction requires with fermenting whole-wheat bread dough in field conditions. Cross-attraction to C. truncatus pheromone components occurs in three related Carpophilus : C. lugubris, C. antiquus, and C. brachypterus.

Ecological Role

Seed of Inga marginata; documented as one of the principal of (Ceratocystis fagacearum) in Minnesota, facilitating transmission in forest

Human Relevance

Significant pest in forest as a of ; potential importance in agroforestry systems involving Inga marginata

Similar Taxa

  • Carpophilus lugubrisExhibits cross-attraction to C. truncatus components
  • Carpophilus antiquusExhibits cross-attraction to C. truncatus components
  • Carpophilus brachypterusExhibits cross-attraction to C. truncatus components

Tags

Sources and further reading