Aspidapion radiolus
(Marsham, 1802)
Aspidapion radiolus is a weevil in the Apionidae. The mature larva and pupa have been described and illustrated in detail. Its has been compared with related species to support the taxonomic separation of Aspidapion from the Pseudaspidapion. The species has been recorded from multiple islands in the Azores archipelago.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aspidapion radiolus: //ˌæspɪˈdeɪpiɒn ræˈdiːələs//
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Identification
The mature larva and pupa of A. radiolus exhibit morphological features that distinguish them from Pseudaspidapion botanicum, supporting the recognition of Aspidapion as a distinct . Specific diagnostic characters for identification are not provided in available sources.
Images
Distribution
Recorded from islands in the Azores archipelago: Corvo, Faial, Flores, Graciosa, and Pico.
Life Cycle
Has a complete with described mature larva and pupa stages. Specific duration or timing of developmental stages not documented in available sources.
Similar Taxa
- Aspidapion validumShares and has been directly compared in studies of ; both used to distinguish Aspidapion from Pseudaspidapion
- Pseudaspidapion botanicumMorphological comparison of stages with A. radiolus supports the separation of Aspidapion and Pseudaspidapion as distinct
More Details
Taxonomic Note
placement varies between sources: GBIF and NCBI list Apionidae, while iNaturalist lists Brentidae. This reflects ongoing taxonomic debate regarding the rank of Apionidae ( Apioninae within Brentidae versus distinct family). The 2024 Zootaxa source uses Brentidae, Apioninae.
Research Significance
This has served as a key in phylogenetic studies using , specifically in establishing the distinctness of Aspidapion from Pseudaspidapion based on larval and pupal characters rather than morphology alone.