Atractomerus
Schoenherr, 1833
Atractomerus is a of () established by Schoenherr in 1833. At least one , A. pitangae, has been documented as a seed of Eugenia involucrata (Rio Grande Cherry) in southern Brazil, causing significant damage to seeds and reducing their viability for propagation. The genus belongs to the hyperdiverse Curculionidae, though detailed biological information for most species remains limited.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Atractomerus: //əˌtrækˈtɒmərəs//
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Identification
As a within , members possess the -diagnostic (elongated snout) with at the tip. -level identification within Atractomerus requires examination of and other subtle morphological characters; no distinguishing features for the genus as a whole are documented in the provided sources.
Habitat
Associated with seeds of Eugenia involucrata in forest research settings; broader preferences for the are not documented.
Distribution
A. pitangae has been recorded in Santa Maria municipality, Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil. The -level distribution is otherwise unknown from the provided sources.
Diet
A. pitangae consumes seeds of Eugenia involucrata, with feeding internally on seed substrate. Diet for other Atractomerus is unknown.
Host Associations
- Eugenia involucrata - seed A. pitangae; causes holes and consumes 7.65g of seed substrate per seed
Behavior
A. pitangae exhibits seed , with or creating holes in seeds. The high predation rate observed (39.2% of seeds damaged) renders seeds unsuitable for propagation.
Ecological Role
Seed ; negative impact on seed viability and propagation for associated .
Human Relevance
A. pitangae is an agricultural/forestry pest of Rio Grande Cherry, causing 39.98% food mass damage to seeds and reducing propagation success.
Similar Taxa
- Other Curculionidae seed predatorsSimilar damage ( holes in seeds); requires taxonomic examination for differentiation
More Details
Damage impact
In the studied , 39.2% of 3,287 seeds were damaged, with 7.65g substrate loss per seed representing 39.98% food mass damage.