Conotrachelus seniculus
Leconte, 1876
amaranth weevil, pigweed curculio
Conotrachelus seniculus, commonly known as the amaranth or pigweed curculio, is a of true weevil in the . It is to North America, with confirmed records in Ontario and Québec, Canada. The species is taxonomically accepted and has been documented in multiple databases. Information on its biology and remains limited compared to its , a well-studied agricultural pest.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Conotrachelus seniculus: /ˌkɒnəˈtreɪkələs ˈsɛnɪkələs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
This can be distinguished from the closely related () by its association with amaranth/pigweed rather than rosaceous fruit trees. Specific morphological diagnostic features for field identification are not documented in available sources.
Images
Habitat
Associated with amaranth and pigweed (Amaranthus) vegetation, based on usage. Specific requirements have not been formally described.
Distribution
North America. Confirmed present in Ontario and Québec, Canada. Distribution records indicate presence in Canada; broader North range likely extends to the United States but specific state records are not documented in provided sources.
Diet
Associated with amaranth and pigweed (Amaranthus spp.), inferred from . Specific feeding habits and relationships have not been formally documented.
Host Associations
- Amaranthus - likely inferred from 'amaranth ' and 'pigweed curculio'
Human Relevance
Not documented as an agricultural pest. Unlike the congeneric (), which is a major pest of stone and pome fruits, this has no recorded economic impact on .
Similar Taxa
- Conotrachelus nenupharClosely related with similar ; distinguished by association with rosaceous fruit trees versus amaranth/pigweed, and by economic importance as a major agricultural pest
More Details
Taxonomic note
The was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1876. It is provisionally accepted in the Catalogue of Life and fully accepted in GBIF. iNaturalist records over 600 observations, indicating it is regularly encountered but understudied relative to its C. nenuphar.
Research gap
Extensive literature exists on (), including a 2023 comprehensive review in the Journal of . No equivalent body of research exists for C. seniculus, and information on its biology, , and economic status remains sparse.