Leaf Rolling Weevils
Attelabidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Curculionoidea
- Family: Attelabidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Attelabidae: //ˌæt.təˈlæb.ɪˌdiː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Attelabidae, commonly known as leaf-rolling weevils, comprises a diverse group of weevils notable for their unique life cycle involving leaf rolling. They have two primary subfamilies: Attelabinae, which includes true leaf rollers, and Rhynchitinae, which includes species that mine leaves and feed in terminal shoots.
Physical Characteristics
Widespread family of weevils; primitive weevils with straight antennae inserted near the base of the rostrum; prothorax much narrower than the base of the elytra.
Identification Tips
Look for long necks in some members, which may be referred to as giraffe weevils, notably Trachelophorus giraffa. Typical habitat includes leaves where females roll leaves to deposit eggs.
Habitat
Widespread; associated with various plant types where they can roll leaves for larval development.
Distribution
51 species in 11 genera of 3 subfamilies north of Mexico; over 360 species in the New World; around 2500 species in roughly 150 genera globally.
Diet
Larvae feed on foliage, with varying dietary habits among subfamilies; Rhynchitinae larvae mine plant tissues or develop in fruits and flower heads.
Life Cycle
Females cut slits into leaves to deposit eggs. In Attelabinae, larvae develop within rolled leaves.
Reproduction
Females deposit eggs in cuts made in leaves, which are then rolled to create a protective environment for the larvae.
Ecosystem Role
As herbivores, they play a role in plant health and dynamics; some serve as pests impacting agricultural crops.
Economic Impact
A few species are minor agricultural pests, affecting crops by damaging buds and leaves.
Collecting Methods
- Netting
- Sweep sampling
- Visual searching on host plants
Preservation Methods
- Pinning
- Ethanol preservation
Evolution
Family Attelabidae is considered primitive within the weevil clade due to features like straight antennae and structural morphology that links it closely with Rhynchitidae.
Similar Taxa
- Rhynchitidae
- Curculionidae
Misconceptions
Not all are agricultural pests; many species are benign or beneficial to ecosystems.
Tags
- Attelabidae
- Leaf-Rolling Weevils
- Insecta
- Coleoptera
- Weevil