Anthonomus rufipennis
Gerhardt, 1912
Anthonomus rufipennis is a herbivorous weevil in the Curculionidae that exhibits seasonal dormancy in dry tropical forests. migrate between a reproductive tree and a host epiphyte to survive the dry season. The is facultatively multivoltine, with reproductive activity tied to the availability of flower buds on the host tree. It has been studied as a model for insect dormancy in seasonally dry environments.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Anthonomus rufipennis: /ænˈθɒnəməs ruːfɪˈpɛnɪs/
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Habitat
Seasonally dry tropical forest. During the dry season, individuals shelter on the epiphyte Tillandsia recurvata (ball moss); during the rainy season, they occupy the reproductive host tree Senna polyantha when flower buds are available.
Distribution
North America; specifically documented from central Mexico.
Seasonality
Active during the rainy season when reproductive trees produce flower buds. Enters dormancy during the dry season, with survival on host epiphytes. Recolonization of refuge hosts begins in the late rainy season.
Diet
herbivore. Larval development and feeding associated with flower buds of Senna polyantha (Fabaceae). Adults also occur on Tillandsia recurvata (Bromeliaceae), though primarily as a dry-season rather than a food source.
Host Associations
- Senna polyantha - reproductive Primary for oviposition and larval development; flower buds provide oviposition sites.
- Tillandsia recurvata - Dry-season shelter; high survival but limited reproductive development. Not a primary food source.
Life Cycle
Facultatively multivoltine. Dormancy occurs during the dry season with fat accumulation and suppressed reproductive development. Reproductive activation coincides with rainy season and availability of flower buds on trees. Some individuals remain on reproductive hosts year-round, permitting multiple .
Behavior
Seasonal between : moves from dry-season on Tillandsia recurvata to reproductive host Senna polyantha at the start of the rainy season. Males initially colonize vegetative trees before females. High fat accumulation during dormancy. Relatively high dry-season survival on refuge host.
More Details
Dormancy physiology
During dry-season dormancy on Tillandsia recurvata, both sexes accumulate substantial fat reserves and show minimal reproductive development. This physiological state enables survival through unfavorable conditions.
Research significance
The serves as a model system for studying insect dormancy in dry tropical forests and may provide insight into dormancy patterns in economically important anthonomine weevils.