Fungus Weevils
Anthribidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Curculionoidea
- Family: Anthribidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Anthribidae: //ænˈθrɪbɪˌdiː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Anthribidae is a family of beetles known as fungus weevils, characterized by their unique beak-like heads and feeding habits related to fungi and decaying plant matter. They exhibit significant diversity across tropical regions and are often found in habitats with dead wood and fungal growth.
Physical Characteristics
Adults are 0.4‒16 mm in size, with a head featuring a broad flat beak, rarely small. Antennae are not elbowed, often apically clubbed, and sometimes missing in species with elongate antennae. Mandibles are large, and tibiae lack spurs, but some male genera have an apical hook or tooth.
Identification Tips
Look for the broad flat beak on the head and the non-elbowed antennae, which may be the longest among Curculionoidea.
Habitat
Adults are usually found on larval food plants; larvae inhabit tree twigs/branches, hard or polypore fungi, and under the bark of dead or dying trees.
Distribution
Worldwide, mostly tropical; particularly diverse in the eastern regions of North America.
Diet
Most anthribids feed on fungi or decaying plant matter; larvae live within dead wood. Some species in the subfamily Choraginae feed on seeds, and a few are stored product pests. Uncommonly, Anthribus species feed upon soft scale insects.
Ecosystem Role
Fungus weevils play a role in decomposition by feeding on fungi and decaying plant material, contributing to nutrient cycling in their habitats.
Economic Impact
Some species can act as pests, notably a few stored product pests and species that may affect crops by feeding on seeds.
Similar Taxa
- Nemonychidae
Tags
- Fungus Weevils
- Beetles
- Anthribidae
- Coleoptera