Anthonomus

Anthonomus

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anthonomus: //ænˈθɒnəməs//

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

Images

Boll weevil by Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture.. Used under a Public domain license.
Papers on the cotton boll weevil and related and associated insects (1909) (14595371158) by United States. Bureau of Entomology. Used under a No restrictions license.
Boll weevil eradication by USDA. Used under a Public domain license.
Anthonomus grandis 1233023 by Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series,. Used under a CC BY 3.0 us license.
Anthonomus suturalis P1380947a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Anthonomus eugenii 1327141 by Alton N. Sparks, Jr., University of Georgia, Bugwood.org. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Summary

Anthonomus is a genus of weevils that includes several major agricultural pests as well as potential biological pest control agents. The taxonomy and species classification within this genus are still under revision.

Physical Characteristics

Weevils characterized by elongated snouts and herbivorous feeding habits, varying in size but generally small.

Identification Tips

Identification can be made by examining the distinct shape of the snout and the coloration/pattern of the elytra depending on species.

Habitat

Anthonomus species inhabit a variety of environments, generally associated with the plants they feed on, including agricultural and wild plant locations.

Distribution

Approximately 110 species in North America, with around 560 species worldwide. Highest diversity found in the Neotropics (~400 species), followed by the Nearctic (>120 species) and Palaearctic (~60 species).

Diet

Primarily herbivorous, feeding on various plant parts including leaves and buds, with some species being significant agricultural pests.

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages; larvae often develop within plant tissues.

Reproduction

Reproduction involves females laying eggs on host plants, where larvae develop within the plant.

Ecosystem Role

They act as both pests and biocontrol agents within ecosystems, influencing plant health and agricultural productivity.

Economic Impact

Some species cause significant damage in agriculture, such as the boll weevil and pepper weevil.

Collecting Methods

  • Net sweeping
  • Hand collecting
  • Trapping

Preservation Methods

  • Pinning
  • Drying
  • Embedding in resin

Evolution

The taxonomy of the genus is still under revision, with considerations of its evolutionary relationships and classification.

Similar Taxa

  • Cnemocyllus
  • Hampea

Misconceptions

Some species are erroneously thought to be harmless when they actually cause considerable agricultural damage.

Tags

  • Agricultural Pests
  • Weevils
  • Coleoptera
  • Anthonomus