Anthonomini

Thomson, 1859

Anthonomini is a tribe of within the Curculioninae, comprising approximately 40 including Anthonomus, the genus. Members are primarily herbivorous weevils, with many exhibiting specific associations. The tribe includes economically significant pests such as the () and several species associated with Malvaceae, Rosaceae, and other plant . Species are distributed across multiple continents, with documented occurrences in the Neotropics, Nearctic, Palearctic, and Oriental regions.

Anthonomus rubi by (c) Mick Talbot, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Anthonomus by (c) Paul Cook, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Paul Cook. Used under a CC-BY license.

Anthonomini by (c) Barry Walter, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Barry Walter. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anthonomini: /ænˈθɒnəˌmaɪni/

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

Identification

Anthonomini can be distinguished from related tribes in Curculioninae by the following combination of characters: antennal funicle typically with seven ; often with distinctive projection at middle; with either distinct or effaced; usually with small ; and frequently armed with teeth (profemora often with two teeth, meso- and metafemora with one). The Anthonomus, which contains the majority of , is characterized by a compact body form and with distinct patterns in many species groups.

Images

Habitat

Tropical semideciduous forest; temperate regions. Specific preferences vary by and . Anthonomus brunnipennis has been documented in two distinct habitat in Germany. Many species show strong association with specific plants, including forest understory and open vegetation .

Distribution

Widespread across multiple biogeographic regions: Neotropical (Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Cuba), Nearctic, Palearctic (Germany), and Oriental (China). The tribe contains both widespread and geographically restricted ; Cubanthonomus is to Cuba.

Diet

Herbivorous. Larval and feeding occurs on material. Anthonomus brunnipennis is documented feeding on Potentilla erecta (Rosaceae). Anthonomus petrus is associated with Heliocarpus and Triumfetta (Tiliaceae/Malvaceae). Many Anthonomus are known to feed on Malvaceae, including cotton and related plants.

Host Associations

Potentilla erecta - only well-documented of Anthonomus brunnipennis
Heliocarpus - of Anthonomus petrus
Triumfetta - of Anthonomus petrus
Gossypium - of economically significant including

Life Cycle

with , , , and stages. Larvae and pupae of Anthonomus brunnipennis have been described; stages show -specific diagnostic characters that distinguish them from closely related species such as A. rubi. Developmental biology varies by species and is closely tied to .

Ecological Role

that influence through feeding damage to reproductive structures (flower , fruits) and vegetative tissues. Some act as specialized herbivores with narrow ranges, potentially contributing to plant structure.

Human Relevance

Contains significant agricultural pests, most notably (), which caused major to cotton production in the Americas. Some are used as agents against . Taxonomic study of the tribe is active due to economic importance and documentation needs.

Similar Taxa

CleogoniniPreviously confused with Anthonomini; Cubanthonomus was transferred from Cleogonini (where it was placed as incertae sedis) to Anthonomini based on morphological characters including antennal funicle structure and .
Anthonomus rubi are morphologically similar to A. brunnipennis but stages are diagnostically distinct; proper identification requires examination of or .

More Details

Taxonomic composition

The tribe contains approximately 40 including Acalyptops, Achia, Adelus, Anthonomopsis, Anthonomus, Atractomerus, Botanebius, Brachonyx, Bradybatus, Chelonychus, Cionesthes, Cionomimus, Cionopsis, Coccotorus, Cremastorhynchus, Cubanthonomus, Dietzianus, Ephelops, Epimechus, Huaca, Lepidoops, Lonchophorellus, Loncophorus, Macrobrachonyx, Magdalinops, Melexeras, Nanops, Narberdia, Neomastix, Neosphinctocraerus, Omogonus, Onychoenemis, Parendoeopsis, Phacellopterus, Pseudanthonomus, Pseudopoophagus, Smicraulax, Sphincticraerus, Synnadophila, and Telphasia.

Research gaps

associations remain unknown for many , including Cubanthonomus. and stage descriptions are available for only a small fraction of . Ecological and behavioral data are sparse for most .