Cylindrocopturus cretaceus
Van Dyke, 1929-30
Cylindrocopturus cretaceus is a weevil in the Curculionidae, first described by Van Dyke in 1929-30. The Cylindrocopturus includes stem-boring weevils associated with plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly sunflowers. The specific epithet 'cretaceus' (Latin for chalky or chalk-white) may refer to coloration characteristics.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cylindrocopturus cretaceus: /sɪˌlɪndroʊˈkɒptərəs krɪˈteɪsiəs/
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Identification
Cylindrocopturus cretaceus can be distinguished from other Cylindrocopturus by morphological features established in the original description by Van Dyke. Within the , species identification typically requires examination of rostral proportions, elytral , and genitalia. The species name 'cretaceus' suggests possible chalky or pale coloration that may aid in field recognition, though specific diagnostic characters require reference to the original description.
Distribution
North America. The has been recorded as present in this region based on distribution records in taxonomic databases. Specific locality data within North America is not well-documented in available sources.
Similar Taxa
- Cylindrocopturus adspersusBoth are congeneric stem weevils associated with sunflower (Helianthus) . C. adspersus is a well-documented agricultural pest of sunflowers in North America, while C. cretaceus is less studied. They share similar as stem-boring larvae and weevils that feed on leaves.
- Cylindrocopturus furnissiAnother congeneric in the same of sunflower-associated weevils, with similar morphological features and ecological associations with Asteraceae plants.