Alophini
LeConte, 1874
Genus Guides
4Alophini is a tribe of weevils in the Entiminae, Curculionidae. The tribe was established by LeConte in 1874 and contains approximately 15 recognized , including Acmaegenius, Lepidophorus, Plinthodes, and Rhytideres. Members of this tribe are broad-nosed weevils characterized by their relatively short, broad rostrum compared to other weevil groups. The taxonomic status of Alophini has been subject to revision, with some sources treating it as a synonym of Byrsopagini.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Alophini: /ˌælɒˈfaɪnaɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Alophini can be distinguished from other Entiminae tribes by their short, broad rostrum and the structure of the . The tribe is characterized by the presence of uncinate (hooked) tibial uncus and specific patterns of elytral punctation. However, definitive identification to tribe level typically requires examination of genitalia and other internal characters.
Images
Distribution
Members of Alophini are distributed primarily in the Nearctic and Palearctic regions, with some extending into other zoogeographic zones. The genus Lepidophorus is known from western North America, while Plinthodes has a broader distribution. Specific preferences vary by genus.
Similar Taxa
- ByrsopaginiAlophini has been treated as a synonym of Byrsopagini in some classifications, particularly in the Catalogue of Life. The two tribes share similar morphological characteristics and may require detailed examination to distinguish.
- BrachyderiniAnother tribe within Entiminae with similar broad-nosed weevil . Brachyderini generally differs in tarsal structure and geographic distribution, being more diverse in the Palearctic region.
More Details
Taxonomic Uncertainty
The taxonomic status of Alophini remains unsettled. While LeConte (1874) established the tribe and it is recognized by some authorities including NCBI, the Catalogue of Life currently treats Alophini as a synonym of Byrsopagini. This discrepancy reflects ongoing debate about tribal boundaries within Entiminae.
Included Genera
The tribe contains 15 recognized : Acmaegenius, Centron, Ctenolobus, Geralophus, Graptus, Lepidophorus, Limalophus, Plinthodes, Pseudalophus, Pseudobarynotus, Rhytideres, Seidlitzia, Trichalophus, Triglyphulus, and Xeralophus. The genus Lepidophorus is notable for containing with distinctive -like body coverings.