Erodiscini

Genus Guides

Sicoderus

Erodiscini is a tribe of weevils within the Curculioninae (Curculionidae), containing semi-aquatic such as Ludovix fasciatus. The tribe includes the Sicoderus, which is diverse in the West Indies with over 75 described species. At least some members exhibit specialized surface swimming using all three pairs of legs in a coordinated breast stroke-like motion.

Erodiscini by (c) Robert S. Anderson, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Sicoderus by (c) Robert Anderson, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Erodiscini: /ˌɛroʊˈdɪskaɪni/

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

Images

Habitat

Semi-aquatic environments, including aquatic macrophyte banks in várzea areas of rivers.

Distribution

West Indies (Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Dominica, Grenada, Virgin Islands); Central Amazonia (Marchantaria Island, Solimões River, Amazonas State, Brazil); Pantanal Mato-grossense (Brazil).

Behavior

Surface swimming using all three pairs of legs in a breast stroke-like maneuver; mesothoracic legs provide main propulsion during power-stroke; prothoracic legs extended forward to direct swimming; metathoracic legs contribute least forward propulsion; body remains on water surface with legs submerged during swimming. Swimming cycle completed in approximately 0.32 seconds with average speed of 1.38 cm/s; maximum observed swimming duration 11.15 minutes.