Lissorhoptrus simplex

(Say, 1832)

Lissorhoptrus simplex is a weevil in the Brachyceridae, found in North America including parts of Canada. It is one of several species in the Lissorhoptrus, which includes the economically significant rice water weevil Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus. Unlike its , L. simplex has not been documented as an agricultural pest.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lissorhoptrus simplex: //ˌlɪsoʊˈrɒptrəs ˈsɪmplɛks//

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Identification

Lissorhoptrus simplex can be distinguished from the closely related and morphologically similar Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus (rice water weevil) by its lack of association with rice and its more northern distribution in North America. The Lissorhoptrus is characterized by a compact body form typical of weevils, with showing the elongated rostrum bearing geniculate characteristic of Curculionoidea.

Distribution

Recorded from North America, specifically from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Ontario, and Québec. The has a more northerly range compared to the southern United States distribution of Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus.

Human Relevance

Lissorhoptrus simplex has no documented economic impact on agriculture. It is not associated with rice production, unlike the congeneric rice water weevil Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus, which is a major pest of rice in the southern United States and California.

Similar Taxa

Lissorhoptrus oryzophilusThe rice water weevil is morphologically similar and congeneric, but differs in distribution (southern US and California rice-growing regions), association (strictly tied to rice ), and economic status (major agricultural pest).

More Details

Taxonomic Note

The placement of Lissorhoptrus has been subject to revision. The has been variously placed in Curculionidae (traditional broader classification) or Brachyceridae (more recent narrower classification). GBIF and Catalogue of Life currently recognize Brachyceridae as the family.