Scaphomorphus trivittatus

(Say, 1832)

Scaphomorphus trivittatus is a of weevil in the Curculionidae. The species was originally described by Thomas Say in 1832 and has historically been known under the synonym Boisea trivittatus. It is native to western Canada and is not the same organism as the boxelder bug (Boisea trivittata), a common true that shares a similar former . The species has been recorded in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scaphomorphus trivittatus: /ˌskæfoʊˈmɔrfəs trɪˈvɪtətəs/

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

Identification

This may be confused with the boxelder bug (Boisea trivittata), a true (Hemiptera) that was formerly classified under the same Boisea trivittatus. The weevil Scaphomorphus trivittatus is a (Coleoptera) distinguished by the presence of hardened forewings () and a characteristic elongated snout (rostrum) bearing the mouthparts at its tip. True bugs lack elytra and possess —forewings that are leathery at the base and membranous at the tip.

Distribution

Recorded from western Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.

Similar Taxa

Boisea trivittataFormerly classified under the same Boisea trivittatus; a true (Hemiptera: Rhopalidae) commonly known as the boxelder bug, distinguished by and lack of a rostrum
Scaphomorphus longinasus in the same , potentially similar in overall weevil

Misconceptions

This is frequently confused with the boxelder bug due to shared historical . The boxelder bug, a nuisance pest of homes in eastern North America, was formerly called Boisea trivittatus—identical to the former name of this weevil. The two are entirely unrelated: one is a (Coleoptera), the other a true (Hemiptera).

More Details

Taxonomic note

The Scaphomorphus was established to accommodate certain New World weevils previously placed in other genera. The specific epithet trivittatus (meaning "three-banded") refers to a presumed three-striped color pattern, though detailed descriptions of living coloration are lacking in available sources.

Nomenclatural history

The combination Boisea trivittatus was applied to the boxelder bug in older literature. Current places the boxelder bug in Boisea trivittata (Say, 1825), while the weevil retains Scaphomorphus trivittatus (Say, 1832). The similar names reflect independent descriptions by the same author in different years, not conspecificity.