Cylindrocopturus quercus

(Say, 1832)

Cylindrocopturus quercus is a of twig and stem weevil in the tribe Zygopini, Curculionidae. It is native to North America and associated with oak (Quercus). As a member of the Zygopini, it likely exhibits the typical of twig-boring weevils, with larvae developing within woody stems.

Cylindrocopturus quercus by Even Dankowicz. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.Conoderinae (10.3897-zookeys.683.12080) Figures 95–98 by Anzaldo SS (2017) Review of the genera of Conoderinae (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. ZooKeys 683: 51-138. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.683.12080. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.Conoderinae (10.3897-zookeys.683.12080) Figures 46–54 by Anzaldo SS (2017) Review of the genera of Conoderinae (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. ZooKeys 683: 51-138. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.683.12080. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cylindrocopturus quercus: //sɪˌlɪndroʊˈkɑptjʊrəs ˈkwɛrkəs//

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

Images

Habitat

Associated with oak-dominated woodlands and forests. The "quercus" indicates an association with Quercus (oak) .

Distribution

North America; recorded from Québec, Canada and presumably widespread in eastern and central United States where oak occur.

Diet

Larvae bore into and feed within oak twigs and stems; likely feed on oak foliage or bark. Specific feeding habits of adults not well documented in available sources.

Host Associations

  • Quercus - primary association indicated by specific epithet; typical for Zygopini weevils to be restricted to particular woody genera

Life Cycle

Incomplete information available. As a twig-boring weevil, likely exhibits a involving: deposition in oak twigs, larval development within woody tissue, within the stem or in soil, and . Specific timing and number of per year not documented in available sources.

Behavior

Larvae are internal feeders (borers) within oak twigs and stems, a characteristic of the tribe Zygopini. are likely cryptic and associated with oak vegetation.

Ecological Role

As a stem-boring insect, contributes to natural pruning and nutrient cycling in oak . May serve as prey or for and other natural enemies, though specific relationships not documented.

Human Relevance

Not documented as a significant pest of ornamental or timber oaks in available sources. Potential minor pest in nursery settings due to twig-boring larval habit.

Similar Taxa

  • Cylindrocopturus adspersusCongeneric also in tribe Zygopini; C. adspersus is a documented pest of sunflower stems, differing in association (Asteraceae vs. Fagaceae)
  • Other Zygopini generaTwig-boring weevils in tribe Zygopini share similar cylindrical body form and stem-boring habits; identification to requires examination of genitalia and other fine morphological characters

Tags

Sources and further reading