Auleutes tenuipes
J. Lec., 1876
minute seed weevil
Auleutes tenuipes is a of minute seed in the , first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1876. It is one of approximately 30 species in the Auleutes, a group of small weevils associated with seeds. The species is documented from eastern Canada and is presumed to occur more broadly in North America, though records remain sparse.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Auleutes tenuipes: //ɔːˈluːtɛs ˈtɛnjuːˌpiːz//
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Identification
Members of Auleutes can be challenging to distinguish without examination of and other fine morphological details. The specific epithet 'tenuipes' (slender-footed) may refer to relatively slender legs, though this requires verification against material and close relatives. Identification to level typically requires examination.
Distribution
Documented from eastern Canada including New Brunswick, Ontario, and Québec. GBIF records indicate presence in North America broadly, though specific locality data beyond the Canadian provinces is sparse.
Similar Taxa
- Other Auleutes speciesApproximately 30 occur in North America; most require dissection or detailed morphological study for reliable separation.
- Other minute seed weevils (Curculionidae: various genera)Small size and seed-feeding create superficial similarity; proportions, antennal insertion, and distinguish .
More Details
Taxonomic note
The Auleutes was historically treated as a subgenus of Ceutorhynchus but has been elevated to full generic status in modern . The was described by J.L. LeConte, a prolific 19th-century who described thousands of North American .
Data deficiency
iNaturalist shows zero observations for this , and GBIF records are limited to few Canadian localities, suggesting it is either genuinely rare, undercollected, or identification challenges suppress reporting.