Microplontus
Wagner, H., 1944
Species Guides
2Microplontus is a of weevils in the Curculionidae, established by H. Wagner in 1944. The genus comprises small beetles distributed across northern Europe, with records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Only two are currently recognized: Microplontus amurensis (described 2004 from the Russian Far East) and Microplontus fairmairii (described 1881). As a member of the hyperdiverse Curculionidae family, this genus represents one of many poorly documented weevil lineages with limited natural history information available.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Microplontus: /ˌmaɪkroʊˈplɒntəs/
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Identification
Members of Microplontus can be recognized as small weevils with the characteristic elongated snout (rostrum) typical of Curculionidae. The is distinguished from related weevil genera through subtle morphological features of the rostrum and , though precise diagnostic characters require examination. -level identification relies on examination of genitalia and other minute structural details.
Images
Distribution
Northern Europe, with confirmed records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Microplontus amurensis is known from the Amur region of the Russian Far East.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The contains only two described , suggesting it may be either genuinely rare, taxonomically neglected, or cryptic in habits. The 63-year gap between the description of the type species (1944) and the second species (2004) indicates limited collecting effort or recognition of these beetles in the field.
Research Status
With only 174 iNaturalist observations and minimal published literature, Microplontus remains among the less studied weevil . No dedicated ecological or behavioral studies have been published for either .