Flower Weevils
Baridinae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Curculionoidea
- Family: Curculionidae
- Subfamily: Baridinae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Baridinae: /ˌbærɪˈdaɪniː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Baridinae, established by Schönherr in 1836, is a diverse subfamily of true weevils with around 4,300 species in about 550 genera, primarily found in the New World. They exhibit a range of forms and habitats, with a few species being harmful pests and others beneficial for biocontrol.
Physical Characteristics
Typically small to mid-sized short-legged weevils with a round or ball-like shape. Usually colored black on the upperside, moderately shiny like polished leather. Some have lighter scales that can be rubbed off; elytrae often have neat lengthwise rows of small pits. The pronotum is not highly arched, with rounded corners and about the same width as the elytrae. The rostrum is long, curved, and directed downwards with antennas attached near the tip, having 12 segments.
Identification Tips
Recognized by an ascended mesepisternum visible between the hind angle of the pronotum and the elytral humerus.
Habitat
Various habitats, including semi-aquatic environments. Some species are associated with specific plants and habitats related to monocots, grasses, sedges, and palms.
Distribution
Worldwide distribution, particularly in the New World, with an estimate of up to 30,000 species.
Diet
Feed on plants as both larvae and adults, mainly on green parts. Larvae are often stem borers with known food plants in the Brassicaceae family and other families like Asteraceae and Resedaceae.
Life Cycle
Larvae mostly mine stems; feed on plant tissues during the larval and adult stages.
Ecosystem Role
Some species are economically significant pests, while others serve as biocontrol agents for invasive plants.
Economic Impact
Some species are pests of crops, while others are used for biocontrol of invasive plant pests.
Evolution
undergoing a taxonomic overhaul; many classifications are currently in flux due to poor understanding of relationships among tribes and subtribes.
Similar Taxa
- Molytinae
- Ceutorhynchinae
- Conoderinae
- Orobitidinae
- Xiphaspidinae
Misconceptions
There is confusion and overlapping classifications regarding the tribes and subtribes within Baridinae, leading to misunderstanding of their relationships and diversity.
Tags
- Baridinae
- flower weevils
- Coleoptera
- Curculionidae
- taxonomy