Sweet Potato Weevil

Cyladini

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Curculionoidea
Family: Brentidae
Subfamily: Brentinae
Tribe: Cyladini

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cyladini: //sɪˈlædɪˌnaɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Cylas formicarius larva by Caroline Harding, MAF. Used under a CC BY 3.0 au license.

Sweet Potato Weevil. Cylas formicarius. Cyladinae, Brentidae. - Flickr - gailhampshire by gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Cylas formicarius (Fabricius,1798) Sweet Potatoe Weevil 7 mm Curculionidae (26889175242) by Len Worthington. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

37-Indian-Insect-Life - Harold Maxwell-Lefroy - Cylas formicarius by Harold Maxwell-Lefroy. Used under a CC0 license.

Cylas formicarius tunnels by Scot Nelson. Used under a CC0 license.

Cylas formicarius by Scot Nelson. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

The tribe Cyladini includes the sweet potato weevil and reflects a complex taxonomic history within the Brentidae family, which comprises primarily fungivorous larval stages and is widespread in tropical and temperate regions.

Physical Characteristics

Brentid adults are usually long and dark, varying in size from 1.5 mm to 90 mm.

Identification Tips

Identifiable by their elongated and flattened bodies as well as non-elbowed antennae.

Habitat

Primarily found in tropical regions as well as temperate zones; associated with areas where fungi grow on dead wood.

Distribution

Widespread in the Neotropics with some species introduced into New World regions.

Diet

Larvae are fungivorous, consuming fungi on decaying wood; adults may have diverse diets depending on species.

Life Cycle

Details on the complete life cycle are not provided, but include larval stages that feed on fungi.

Reproduction

Specific reproductive methods were not indicated, but typical beetle reproduction involves egg-laying on or near food sources.

Ecosystem Role

Playing a role in fungus decomposition and nutrient recycling in their ecosystems.

Economic Impact

Information on economic impact or significance not provided, but could be relevant in agricultural contexts where sweet potatoes are cultivated.

Evolution

Part of an ongoing discussion regarding the classification within Brentidae, with previous affiliations to Curculionidae and debated familial divisions.