Barinus
Casey, T.L., 1886
Species Guides
5- Barinus cribricollis(flower weevil)
- Barinus curticollis
- Barinus linearis(flower weevil)
- Barinus lutescens
- Barinus suffusus
Barinus is a of flower weevils in the Curculionidae, established by Thomas L. Casey in 1886. The genus comprises approximately 14 described distributed in North America. Members of this genus are associated with flowering plants, consistent with the 'flower weevils'. The genus has been documented through limited observational records.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Barinus: /ˈbæ.rɪ.nəs/
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Identification
Barinus can be distinguished from other Curculionidae by a combination of rostrum structure and body proportions characteristic of the genus, though specific diagnostic features require examination of . The 14 described species show variation in elytral patterning and body size. Accurate identification to species level typically requires reference to original descriptions by LeConte, Casey, Sleeper, and Blatchley.
Distribution
North America; described from various localities across the United States.
Ecological Role
As flower weevils, members of this likely function as floral visitors, potentially contributing to pollination or acting as seed , though specific ecological roles have not been documented.
Similar Taxa
- Other Curculionidae generaBarinus shares the elongated rostrum and general body plan typical of weevils; differentiation relies on subtle morphological characters of the rostrum, insertion, and genitalia structure.
More Details
Taxonomic History
The was established by Casey in 1886. Multiple were subsequently described by prominent North American coleopterists including LeConte (1876, 1878, 1880), Casey (1892, 1920), Sleeper (1956), and Blatchley (1920). The most recent species descriptions date to 1956.
Data Deficiency
Despite 14 described , the is poorly represented in public biodiversity databases with only 14 iNaturalist observations recorded, suggesting either genuine rarity, undercollection, or identification challenges.