Connatichela
Anderson, 1984
Species Guides
1Connatichela is a of weevils in the Curculionidae, Entiminae, described by Anderson in 1984. The genus is currently , containing only C. artemisiae, which is to the Yukon Territory. Members are characterized by connate (joined at base) tarsal claws, absence of metepisternal , lack of on antennal funiculus, and presence of broad scales on antennal scape. The genus has a documented Pleistocene fossil record from Alaska and western Northwest Territories, indicating a formerly broader distribution.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Connatichela: //ˌkɒnəˈtɪkələ//
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Identification
Distinguished from related leptopiine by connate tarsal claws (claws joined at base) and distinctive structure of male and female genitalia. Additional diagnostic characters include: absence of metepisternal , antennal funiculus lacking , and antennal scape bearing broad scales.
Habitat
Currently associated with plants of a small Artemisia in Yukon Territory. Historically occupied arid steppe-tundra across Beringia during the Pleistocene.
Distribution
Currently to Yukon Territory, Canada. Fossil evidence from mid-Wisconsinan deposits indicates former presence in western Northwest Territories and Alaska.
Host Associations
- Artemisia - associated with plants of a small specimens found in association with plants
Similar Taxa
- Other leptopiine generaConnatichela is distinguished by connate tarsal claws and genitalia structure; related have free tarsal claws
More Details
Paleontological significance
Fossil material assignable to C. artemisiae from mid-Wisconsinan deposits provides evidence of a formerly broader distribution. Post-Wisconsinan restriction to Yukon Territory likely reflects reduction in availability of arid steppe-tundra across most of Beringia.
Phylogenetic status
Phylogenetic and zoogeographic relationships of the remain unresolved.