Eurhinus

Illiger, 1808

Species Guides

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Eurhinus is a of Neotropical weevils (Curculionidae: Baridinae) containing approximately 23 , all characterized by brilliant metallic coloration in green, blue, purple, or red. The genus was established by Illiger in 1808 and has a complex taxonomic history involving nomenclatural disputes that were resolved by the International Commission on Zoological to preserve stability. One species, E. magnificus, has been introduced to southern Florida and is a potential pest of grape cultivars.

Eurhinus magnificus by (c) Sandra H Statner, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sandra H Statner. Used under a CC-BY license.Eurhinus magnificus 115832092 by Sandra H Statner. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.Eurhinus magnificus 115832009 by Sandra H Statner. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eurhinus: /juˈɹaɪnəs/

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

Identification

Members of this are distinguished among Baridinae by their exceptionally brilliant metallic coloration—green, blue, purple, or red—with smooth, often mirror-like . The genus name has been conserved by ICZN ruling due to historical nomenclatural conflicts with Eurhin (Illiger 1807) and Eurhynchus (Schönherr 1833).

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Habitat

Native occur in Neotropical terrestrial . Eurhinus magnificus in Florida has been found in ornamental nurseries, citrus groves, roadside ditches, fence lines, and manicured gardens.

Distribution

Exclusively Neotropical in native range, with recorded from southern Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, Central America (Belize, Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama), and the Caribbean. One species, E. magnificus, introduced to southern Florida (Broward and Miami-Dade counties), first recorded in 2002.

Host Associations

  • Cissus verticillata - verified Only confirmed for E. magnificus in Florida; all life stages collected from this
  • Solidago chilensis - flower visitationE. cf. adonis observed feeding on flowers in Chaco Province, Argentina

Life Cycle

For E. magnificus: laid singly within succulent young subterminal stem portions of plant; gall formation apparent by first to third instar, increasing in size until within gall; five larval instars determined by capsule measurements.

Behavior

of E. magnificus feed on plant stems; larvae induce gall formation on host stems. Adults have been observed attacking grape cultivars in greenhouse conditions, opening stems to fungal agents, though no larval development occurs on grapes.

Ecological Role

Larval gall induction on plant stems. and cause considerable field mortality. Potential pest status on grape cultivars due to feeding damage facilitating fungal .

Human Relevance

E. magnificus is a potential pest of ornamental nurseries and grape in southern Florida. The brilliant metallic coloration makes members of this popular subjects for macrophotography and entomological illustration.

Similar Taxa

  • MegabarisRelated in Baridinae with similarly striking coloration; Megabaris quadriguttatus shows black, white, and red patterning rather than uniform metallic coloration of Eurhinus

More Details

Nomenclatural history

The was originally described as Eurhin by Illiger in 1807. Schönherr emended this to Eurhinus in 1824, but this name was preoccupied by Eurhinus Kirby 1819 (Apioninae). Schönherr later proposed Eurhynchus for Kirby's genus in 1833, but this was also preoccupied (birds). The ICZN ruled in 1983 to conserve Schönherr's long-accepted usage of Eurhinus and Eurhynchus to maintain nomenclatural stability and avoid identical tribal names (Zimmerman & Thompson 1983).

Sources and further reading