Epicaerus
Schönherr, 1834
broad-nosed weevils
Species Guides
8- Epicaerus benjamini
- Epicaerus formidolosus
- Epicaerus imbricatus(Imbricated Snout Beetle)
- Epicaerus lepidotus
- Epicaerus mexicanus(Brown Leaf Notcher)
- Epicaerus sulcatus
- Epicaerus texanus
- Epicaerus wickhami
Epicaerus is a of broad-nosed weevils in the tribe Geonemini, Curculionidae. The genus contains more than 90 described distributed across North America and Central America. At least one species, E. panamensis, has been documented as a pest of potato cultivars in Panama. The genus is characterized by the typical broad-nosed weevil associated with the Entiminae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Epicaerus: /ˌɛpɪˈsɛərəs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
As members of the tribe Geonemini, in this possess the broad, short rostrum characteristic of broad-nosed weevils, distinguishing them from long-snouted weevils in other Curculionidae groups. Specific identification to species level requires examination of genitalia and other detailed morphological features.
Images
Habitat
occupy diverse environments across North and Central America. At least one species has been documented in agricultural settings, specifically in potato areas in the highlands of Chiriquí, Panama.
Distribution
North America and Central America, with records from Mexico and Panama.
Diet
Herbivory on plant foliage has been documented; E. panamensis feeds on potato leaves (Solanum tuberosum). Diet for most in the is not documented.
Host Associations
- Solanum tuberosum - herbivoredocumented for E. panamensis in Panama
Behavior
Feeding on plant leaves causing visible damage has been observed in at least one .
Ecological Role
Potential agricultural pest in cultivated potato systems.
Human Relevance
E. panamensis represents a potential economic concern for potato in Panama due to foliar damage. The broader economic impact of the is not well documented.
Similar Taxa
- Epicaerus inaequalisClosely related compared in species description of E. panamensis; morphological affinities noted in taxonomic literature.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The was established by Schönherr in 1834. counts vary between sources: iNaturalist reports at least 11 described species, while Wikipedia reports more than 90. This discrepancy likely reflects ongoing taxonomic work and varying database update schedules.