Rhopalotria slossoni
(Schaeffer, 1905)
Rhopalotria slossoni is a to Florida that serves as an obligate of the cycad Zamia integrifolia. The exhibits highly specialized with its , with both intimately associated with cycad male cones. actively collect pollen using specialized body cavities and deliberately transfer it to female cones during visitation. This represents one of the few documented cases of -mediated in cycads.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhopalotria slossoni: //ˌroʊpəˈlɒtriə ˈslɒsəni//
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Identification
Distinguished from other by its strict association with Zamia integrifolia in Florida; are small weevils with the characteristic elongated of Belidae. Specific morphological diagnostic features distinguishing it from congeneric are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Sandy, well-drained soils in pine rockland, scrub, and hammock ; occurrence strictly tied to presence of cycad Zamia integrifolia.
Distribution
Florida, USA; range restricted to that of cycad Zamia integrifolia.
Diet
feed on pollen and tissues of male cones of Zamia integrifolia; feed on tissues within male cones of Zamia integrifolia.
Host Associations
- Zamia integrifolia - obligate and feed on pollen and cone tissues, mate on male cones, and serve as sole documented ; develop within male cone tissues.
Life Cycle
develop within male cones of Zamia integrifolia; occurs within cone; emerge from cones.
Behavior
activity; strong attraction to male cones mediated by olfactory cues; specialized pollen-loading involving active collection and packing of pollen into body cavities; deliberate pollen deposition on female cones during visitation; and mate location on male cones.
Ecological Role
Obligate of Zamia integrifolia; specialized mutualist facilitating of cycad; likely sole or primary pollen for this cycad in its range.
More Details
Taxonomic note
GBIF lists this as a synonym of Allocorynus slossoni, while iNaturalist and the primary source literature maintain Rhopalotria slossoni as the accepted name. The -level placement remains under taxonomic discussion.
Pollination mechanism
This represents a rare example of active by , where the deliberately collects, transports, and pollen rather than serving as a passive .