Eurhoptus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Curculionoidea
Family: Curculionidae
Subfamily: Cryptorhynchinae
Tribe: Cryptorhynchini
Subtribe: Tylodina
Genus: Eurhoptus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eurhoptus: /jʊəˈɹɒptəs/

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

Images

Eurhoptus curtus (10.3897-zookeys.787.26948) Figure 6 by Anderson RS, Caterino MS (2018) A revision of the genus Eurhoptus LeConte, 1876 (Curculionidae, Cryptorhynchinae) of America north of Mexico. ZooKeys 787: 37-80. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.787.26948. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Eurhoptus pyriformis (10.3897-zookeys.787.26948) Figure 2 by Anderson RS, Caterino MS (2018) A revision of the genus Eurhoptus LeConte, 1876 (Curculionidae, Cryptorhynchinae) of America north of Mexico. ZooKeys 787: 37-80. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.787.26948. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Figures 13–18. Habitus images. 13 in Comparison of the Coleoptera communities in leaf litter and rotten wood in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA by Ferro, Michael L., Gimmel, Matthew L., Harms, Kyle E. & Carlton, Christopher E.. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Eurhoptus rileyi (10.3897-zookeys.787.26948) Figure 10 by Anderson RS, Caterino MS (2018) A revision of the genus Eurhoptus LeConte, 1876 (Curculionidae, Cryptorhynchinae) of America north of Mexico. ZooKeys 787: 37-80. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.787.26948. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Eurhoptus is a genus of hidden snout weevils within the Curculionidae family, containing several described species in North America and having a larger number of unidentified species. Recent taxonomic revisions have introduced new species and clarified existing classifications.

Physical Characteristics

1.8–3.2 mm in length

Identification Tips

Similar to other hidden snout weevils, characterized by their hidden snouts which are often not immediately visible due to their rounded bodies.

Habitat

Primarily found in the eastern United States and Mesoamerica, inhabiting various terrestrial environments.

Distribution

From the eastern United States to Mesoamerica.

Diet

Eurhoptus species are typically herbivorous, feeding on plant material.

Life Cycle

Details on the specific life cycle of Eurhoptus are not well-documented; hidden snout weevils generally undergo complete metamorphosis including egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.

Reproduction

Reproductive behaviors specific to Eurhoptus are not extensively documented, though most weevils are known to lay eggs in or near their food source.

Predators

Specific predators of Eurhoptus are not noted; however, they are generally vulnerable to various insectivorous species and natural enemies.

Ecosystem Role

As herbivores, they play a role in their ecosystems by influencing plant community dynamics and serving as prey for various predators.

Collecting Methods

Sweeping vegetation
Hand collection from host plants

Preservation Methods

Pinning
Alcohol preservation

Evolution

Eurhoptus is part of the subfamily Cryptorhynchinae, which includes diverse weevil species adapted to various ecological niches.

Similar Taxa

Other genera within the Curculionidae family
Hidden snout weevils

Misconceptions

Due to their small size and similarity to other beetles, they are often overlooked or misidentified as other small weevils.