Snout and Bark Beetles

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Curculionidae: //kɜːrˈkjuːliːəˌnɪdiː//

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

Images

Summary

Curculionidae, commonly known as weevils or snout beetles, represent one of the largest families of beetles, encompassing over 83,000 species globally. They are characterized by their elongated snout and have a diverse range of ecological and economic impacts.

Physical Characteristics

Adult Curculionidae have a well-developed, downwards-curved snout (rostrum), with size ranging from 1-35 mm, usually 5-15 mm. They possess elbowed antennae that end in clubs, and the first antennal segment often fits into a groove in the side of the rostrum. The body is typically robust, convex, heavily sclerotised, and covered in scales or bristles. Larval Curculionidae are C-shaped with minute antennae, robust mandibles, and no legs.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive downwards-curved snout, elbowed and clubbed antennae. Males and females typically exhibit sexual dimorphism in the positioning of their antennae and size of the rostrum.

Habitat

Curculionidae are found in various habitats worldwide, as they are associated with plants they feed on, including cultivated crops.

Distribution

Curculionidae are widely distributed globally, with more than 83,000 species described and over 6,800 genera.

Diet

Most Curculionidae are herbivorous, feeding on various parts of plants such as fruits, nuts, and leaves. Some feed specifically on ambrosia fungi or decaying wood.

Life Cycle

Curculionidae reproductive strategies involve laying eggs inside plant tissues with their elongated rostrum. Larvae develop in the substrate they feed on, often leading to the destruction of plant tissues.

Reproduction

Females use their long rostrum to oviposit eggs inside plant tissue, where larvae later develop and feed.

Predators

Potential predators include various insects, birds, and other species that feed on beetles.

Ecosystem Role

Curculionidae play pivotal roles in plant ecology, serving as both herbivores and, in some cases, facilitating the decomposition of wood through feeding.

Economic Impact

Many species are important agricultural pests, damaging crops such as grains, fruits, and nuts by chewed holes and tunneling activities.

Health Concerns

While many weevils are considered pests of crops, their presence does not generally pose threats to human health or safety.

Collecting Methods

• Light traps
• Pitfall traps
• Hand collection

Preservation Methods

• Drying
• Ethanol preservation
• Pinning

Evolution

Curculionidae phylogeny is complex, with a long evolutionary history aligned with the diversification of angiosperms and gymnosperms throughout the Mesozoic era.

Similar Taxa

• Brentidae
• Scolytidae
• Brachyceridae

Misconceptions

Curculionidae and bark beetles (Scolytinae) were once thought to be distinct families but are now classified under the same family due to genetic and morphological similarities.

Tags

• Curculionidae
• Weevils
• Pests
• Insects
• Beetles