Lixini

Genus Guides

Eustenopus
Larinus
Lixus
Microlarinus(puncturevine seed weevils)

Lixini is a tribe of weevils (Curculionidae: Lixinae) containing approximately 150 in several , most notably Lixus. Members are characterized by elongated bodies and are primarily associated with Asteraceae plants. Larvae are stem-borers, developing inside host plant stems where they feed on parenchymal tissue. The tribe has a wide distribution across the Palaearctic, Afrotropical, and other regions, with significant diversity in southern Africa.

Lixus by (c) skitterbug, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by skitterbug. Used under a CC-BY license.

Lixus amplexus by (c) Richard Stovall, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Richard Stovall. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lixini: //lɪkˈsiːnaɪ//

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

Identification

Lixini weevils can be distinguished from related tribes by larval morphological characters including body shape and chaetotaxy patterns; identification relies on rostrum structure and body vestiture. A key to similar to Larinus with vestiture of erect setae has been published for southern African .

Images

Distribution

Widely distributed across the Palaearctic region, with significant diversity in southern Africa. The Tricholarinus is to southern Africa.

Diet

Larvae feed on parenchymal pith tissue of plant stems. Specific dietary habits of are not documented in available sources.

Host Associations

Cirsium serrulatum - larval Stem-boring larvae develop in stems
Carduus acanthoides - larval Stem-boring larvae develop in stems
Berkheya - associationAt least some of Tricholarinus associated with this Asteraceae

Life Cycle

Larvae develop inside plant stems, creating elongated tunnels progressing from base to apex. In Lixus pulverulentus, larval tunnels reach approximately 30 cm in length. occurs within the host stem. Complete time and longevity are not documented.

Behavior

Larval tunneling progresses upward from stem base to apex. Larvae may exhibit spatial partitioning with co-occurring cerambycid beetles, with Lixini larvae occupying upper stem sections while competitors occupy lower sections. Competitive suppression by larger cerambycid larvae has been observed.

Ecological Role

Stem-borers in Asteraceae, particularly thistles. Larval feeding causes stem withering from base to apex but typically does not affect seed formation. May compete with other stem-boring insects for resources.

Similar Taxa

LarinusSimilar ; distinguished by larval characters and body vestiture patterns. Some historically classified in Larinus have been transferred to Tricholarinus based on revised tribal placement.

More Details

Larval Morphology

Lixini larvae are cream-white with light brown pronotal areas; pupae are pale yellow and slender with in rostrum length. Larval and pupal morphological have been updated based on detailed studies of Lixus .

Taxonomic Activity

Recent taxonomic work has described new and from southern Africa, including the genus Tricholarinus with ten new species and five transferred species, highlighting ongoing revision of the tribe's classification.