Eutrichapion huron
Fall, 1898
Eutrichapion huron is a small weevil in the Brentidae, formerly classified in Apionidae. It belongs to a of seed-feeding weevils associated with leguminous plants. The species was described by Fall in 1898 and is known from Canadian prairie provinces and Ontario.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eutrichapion huron: //juːˌtrɪkəˈpaɪɒn ˈhjʊrɒn//
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Identification
Members of Eutrichapion are distinguished from other apionine weevils by their elongated, slender rostrum and compact body form. E. huron specifically may be separated from by subtle differences in rostral proportions and antennal insertion points, though precise diagnostic features require examination of . are small, typically 2–3 mm in length, with a cylindrical body and geniculate (elbowed) inserted near the middle of the rostrum.
Habitat
Prairie and grassland , particularly those supporting native leguminous plants. Associated with tallgrass prairie remnants and open upland areas.
Distribution
Canada: Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.
Host Associations
- Fabaceae - probable plant Eutrichapion are associated with legume seeds; specific records for E. huron are not documented
Ecological Role
Seed of leguminous plants; contributes to natural regulation of plant in prairie .
Similar Taxa
- Eutrichapion viciaeOverlaps in distribution and ; distinguished by rostral and antennal proportions requiring microscopic examination
- Apion speciesFormerly placed in same ; Apion has shorter, stouter rostrum and different antennal club structure
More Details
Taxonomic history
Eutrichapion was historically treated as a subgenus of Apion. Modern phylogenetic studies support its elevation to rank within Brentidae: Apioninae.
Collection notes
Specimens are typically collected by sweeping vegetation or rearing from legume seed pods. The appears to be rarely encountered in recent collections.