Otiorhynchus

Otiorhynchus

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Otiorhynchus: //ˌəʊtiəˈrɪŋkəs//

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

Images

Otiorhynchus crataegi side by Siga. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
2018 10 19 Otiorhynchus cribricollis by Slimguy. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Derivate Otiorhynchus crataegi (Curculionidae) - (imago), Tricht, the Netherlands by File: Otiorhynchus crataegi (Curculionidae) - (imago), Tricht, the Netherlands.jpg: This image is created by user Wim Rubers at Waarneming.nl, a source of nature observations in the Netherlands. derivative work: Siga. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.
Otiorhynchus crataegi antenna by Siga. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Otiorhynchus ligustici 13 by Слободан Стевчић. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Otiorhynchus-carinatopunctatus-09-fws by Francisco Welter-Schultes. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Otiorhynchus is a large genus of flightless weevils with significant agricultural impact due to their herbivorous larvae and adults. Native to the Palaearctic, some species are widespread adventives in North America, often found in gardens and homes.

Physical Characteristics

4-11 mm snout stout, squarish, widened toward tip; pronotum roundish with pebbled or bumpy surface; elytra color varies from light yellowish-brown to black, surface variously sculptured, rarely smooth.

Identification Tips

Adults are flightless with fused elytra; look for the pronounced snout and bumpy pronotum.

Habitat

Commonly found on or near host plants, in gardens, and sometimes indoors during colder months.

Distribution

Native to the Palearctic region, adventive and widely established in North America, extending north to Alaska and the Northwest Territories.

Diet

Polyphagous herbivores; larvae feed on plant roots and adults feed on plant foliage at night.

Life Cycle

Species may have diploid and bisexual races as well as parthenogenetic forms; life cycle involves both larval and adult stages feeding on host plants.

Reproduction

Includes both diploid and parthenogenetic species; specific reproductive behaviors vary among species.

Ecosystem Role

Important pests in ecosystems as they affect plant health and growth through their herbivorous feeding habits.

Economic Impact

Many species, including O. sulcatus and O. ovatus, are significant pests detrimental to agriculture and horticulture.

Collecting Methods

  • Sampling in gardens and areas near host plants
  • Using pitfall traps

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol preservation
  • Drying and pinning for display

Evolution

Some species studied for evolution of parthenogenesis; exhibits diversity with over 1,500 species and 105 subgenera.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often misspelled as 'Otiorrhynchus' instead of 'Otiorhynchus'; perceived as only major agricultural pests without recognizing ecological roles.

Tags

  • weevils
  • Otiorhynchus
  • pests
  • herbivores
  • Coleoptera