Ellescini
Genus Guides
2Ellescini is a tribe of true weevils (Curculionidae) containing at least 3 and approximately 18 described . The tribe includes the genera Dorytomus, Ellescus, and Proctorus. Recent taxonomic revisions have substantially reorganized the classification, elevating Olamus to genus status and establishing multiple new subgenera within Dorytomus and Olamus. Members of the tribe show associations with Salicaceae (willows and poplars).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ellescini: /ˌɛl.lɛˈsiː.naɪ/
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Identification
Identification to tribe level requires examination of weevil , particularly rostrum structure and genitalia. Within Ellescini, are distinguished by characters such as male abdominal modifications: Proctorus males possess distinctive projections and carinae on the fifth abdominal ventrite. Dorytomus is the largest genus and has been subdivided into multiple subgenera based on morphological characters. -level identification often requires examination of genitalia and association with plants.
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Habitat
are associated with Salicaceae plants, including willows (Salix) and poplars (Populus). Specific habitat preferences vary by and .
Distribution
The tribe has a broad distribution with regional variation by . Proctorus is to North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, Ontario) and the USA (Alaska, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, New Mexico). Dorytomus and Ellescus have broader distributions, including Palearctic regions.
Diet
Feeding associations with Salicaceae documented for Proctorus: P. armatus and P. truncatus collected from Populus, P. decipiens and P. emarginatus from Salix. Diet for other not specified in available sources.
Host Associations
Behavior
Proctorus are rarely collected; P. emarginatus has not been collected since 1988 despite targeted surveys. Males in Proctorus possess remarkable modifications on abdominal ventrites, including projections and carinae, suggesting potential or mating-related functions.
Similar Taxa
- other Curculionidae tribesEllescini is distinguished from other weevil tribes by combination of morphological characters including rostrum structure and male genitalia; recent taxonomic keys for supraspecific have been compiled to facilitate separation from related groups
More Details
Taxonomic instability
The tribe has undergone substantial recent revision. Legalov (2024) described five new subgenera, elevated Olamus from subgenus to , and established new synonyms. This indicates active taxonomic research and potential future changes to classification.