Compsus

Schönherr, 1823

Species Guides

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Compsus is a of broad-nosed weevils in the Curculionidae, comprising approximately 101 described distributed across the Americas. The genus belongs to the taxonomically challenging 'Compsus genus complex' within the tribe Eustylini, which includes related genera such as Exorides, Eustylus, and Oxyderces. Several species are economically significant as pests of citrus crops in Colombia, including C. viridivittatus and C. obliquatus. The genus was first described by Carl Johan Schönherr in 1823.

Compsus by (c) Roger Rittmaster, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Roger Rittmaster. Used under a CC-BY license.Compsus by no rights reserved, uploaded by Manuel Ortiz. Used under a CC0 license.Compsus auricephalus (10.3897-BDJ.8.e55474) Figure 7 by Girón JC, Chamorro ML (2020) Variability and distribution of the golden-headed weevil Compsus auricephalus (Say) (Curculionidae: Entiminae: Eustylini). Biodiversity Data Journal 8: e55474.. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Compsus: /ˈkɒmpsəs/

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Identification

Compsus are moderate-sized broad-nosed weevils (approximately 7–12 mm) with bodies uniformly covered by of variable coloration ranging from white to metallic green, pink, and blue. Identification to species level is challenging due to overlapping morphological features with related eustyline . The 'Compsus genus complex' presents particular taxonomic difficulties, requiring examination of genitalia and other detailed morphological characters for accurate determination. A key to species was provided by Hustache in 1938 and later translated and adjusted by O'Brien and Peña.

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Distribution

Distributed across the Americas from the southern United States through Central America and northern South America. Records include: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela; Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama; and Caribbean islands including Guadeloupe and Jamaica. The northernmost , C. auricephalus, ranges from the southern U.S.A. (Illinois, Colorado, Arizona, Georgia) through Central America to Guatemala.

Human Relevance

Two , Compsus obliquatus and Compsus viridivittatus, are recognized as pests of Citrus in Colombia, causing economic damage to citrus orchards. Compsus viridivittatus larvae feed on roots while consume leaves, flowers, and fruits, causing leaf area reductions exceeding 50% in young trees and 20–30% in production trees. Compsus auricephalus has been documented with associations to 46 plant species in 23 . The has also been subject of research, with studies on including Trigonospila unicaldasi (Diptera: Tachinidae) and parasitoids such as Trichogramma species.

Similar Taxa

  • ExoridesOverlapping morphological features; both belong to the 'Compsus complex' of Eustylini, requiring detailed examination for separation
  • EustylusOverlapping morphological features; both belong to the 'Compsus complex' of Eustylini, requiring detailed examination for separation
  • OxydercesOverlapping morphological features; both belong to the 'Compsus complex' of Eustylini, requiring detailed examination for separation

More Details

Taxonomic History

The was established by Carl Johan Schönherr in 1823. It belongs to the Entiminae, tribe Eustylini, and the 'Compsus genus complex'—a group of approximately 180 South American that presents significant identification challenges, particularly at ports of entry.

Collection Significance

The O'Brien weevil collection donated to Arizona State University in 2017, which included over 1 million weevil specimens, featured Compsus benoisti prominently in the documentary film 'The Love ' (2019). This collection more than doubled the size of ASU's entomological collection.

Sources and further reading