Onychylis nigrirostris
LeConte, 1876
pickerelweed weevil
Onychylis nigrirostris, commonly known as the pickerelweed weevil, is a marsh-dwelling weevil first described by LeConte in 1876. It belongs to the Brachyceridae (sometimes historically placed in Erirhinidae or Curculionidae in various taxonomic treatments). The species is associated with wetland in eastern North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Onychylis nigrirostris: /ɒnɪˈkɪlɪs nɪɡrɪˈrɒstrɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The can be recognized by its association with pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) . The specific epithet "nigrirostris" refers to a black rostrum (snout), which may serve as a distinguishing feature from related Onychylis species. Detailed morphological diagnostic features require examination.
Habitat
Marsh and wetland environments, specifically associated with pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) stands in freshwater aquatic systems.
Distribution
Eastern North America: recorded from Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Québec.
Diet
Associated with pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), suggesting feeding on this plant, though specific feeding habits have not been documented in detail.
Host Associations
- Pontederia cordata - plant pickerelweed; epithet and common name suggest this association
Similar Taxa
- Other Onychylis speciesSame and similar marsh weevil ; distinguished by rostrum coloration and associations
More Details
Taxonomic note
placement varies across sources: Brachyceridae (Wikipedia, GBIF, Catalogue of Life), Erirhinidae (NCBI), or Curculionidae (iNaturalist). This reflects historical taxonomic uncertainty in weevil classification.