Proctorus
LeConte, J.L., 1876
Species Guides
1Proctorus is a of true weevils (Curculionidae: Ellescini) to North America. The genus contains four : P. armatus, P. decipiens, P. emarginatus, and P. truncatus. All species are associated with Salicaceae (willows and poplars), with evidence of differing plant usage between species. The genus is rarely collected, with P. emarginatus not recorded since 1988.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Proctorus: //ˈprɒk.tə.rəs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Males possess distinctive modifications on the fifth abdominal ventrite ( projections and carinae) that allow unambiguous -level identification. A photographic key to all four species has been published to facilitate identification. External and genital also differ between species.
Habitat
Associated with Salicaceae, specifically willows (Salix) and poplars (Populus).
Distribution
North America (USA and Canada). P. emarginatus is restricted to northwestern North America (Northwest Territories).
Diet
Feeds on Salicaceae (willows and poplars).
Host Associations
- Salix - plantwillows
- Populus - plantpoplars
Behavior
Males possess remarkable modifications on the abdominal ventrites that contain phylogenetic information. The is rarely collected in the field.
Similar Taxa
- other EllesciniProctorus can be distinguished from related in the tribe Ellescini by male-specific modifications on the fifth abdominal ventrite.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The previously contained only two described (P. armatus and P. decipiens, both described by LeConte in 1876) until 2022, when P. emarginatus and P. truncatus were described by Lewis & Anderson. Lectotypes were designated for the two original species from known syntypes.
Collection rarity
P. emarginatus has not been collected since 1988, and the female of this remains unknown.