Oopterinus perforatus
Cas., 1892
Oopterinus perforatus is a of antlike weevil in the Curculionidae, described by Casey in 1892. It belongs to a of small weevils exhibiting -mimicking . The species has been recorded in North America, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oopterinus perforatus: /oʊˌɒptəˈraɪnəs pɜrˈfɔːrətəs/
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Identification
Members of Oopterinus are recognized by their compact, -like body form with a constricted waist-like petiole, elbowed , and relatively long legs compared to body size. Specific identification of O. perforatus requires examination of genitalia and subtle sculptural details of the and pronotum; the specific epithet 'perforatus' refers to punctation or perforation-like surface features. Separation from congeneric depends on detailed comparison of rostral proportions and elytral striation patterns.
Distribution
North America. Specific locality records are sparse; the has been documented in the United States based on historical collection data.
Similar Taxa
- Other Oopterinus speciesCongeneric share the -like body plan and require careful examination of rostral length, antennal club structure, and elytral punctation for reliable separation; O. perforatus is distinguished by its characteristic perforate or deeply punctate elytral surface.
- Ant-mimicking beetles in AnthribidaeSome anthribid weevils also exhibit -like forms, but differ in having straight rather than geniculate (elbowed) and lack the distinct rostrum characteristic of Curculionidae.
More Details
Taxonomic status
The is listed as 'provisionally accepted' in the Catalogue of Life, suggesting that some taxonomic revision or verification may be pending. The original description by Casey (1892) provides the foundation for current recognition, but modern systematic treatment of the Oopterinus remains incomplete.
Observation scarcity
As of current records, iNaturalist documents only one observation of this , indicating it is rarely encountered or underreported, possibly due to its small size, cryptic habits, or genuinely restricted distribution and abundance.