Tranes

Schoenherr, C.J., 1843

Tranes is a of true in the , Molytinae, established by Schoenherr in 1843. in this genus are strongly associated with cycads, particularly the genera Bowenia, Lepidozamia, and Macrozamia. A 2024 integrative taxonomic revision expanded the genus from four to ten species, describing six new species and redescribing previously named . The genus is part of the broader Tranes group of cycad- and grasstree-associated weevils found in Australia.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tranes: /ˈtrɑː.neɪz/

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Identification

Members of Tranes can be distinguished from related in the Tranes group (Miltotranes, Demyrsus, Siraton, Paratranes) by morphological characters detailed in the 2024 revision, which includes a to all genera and of the group. The revision provides redescriptions and illustrations of salient characters for all Tranes species.

Habitat

Strongly associated with cycads (Cycadophyta), particularly in Australia. include Bowenia, Lepidozamia, and Macrozamia. Australia represents a main center of diversity for extant cycads, supporting the radiation of this genus.

Distribution

Australia. The occurs in regions where cycad genera Bowenia, Lepidozamia, and Macrozamia are present.

Host Associations

Bowenia - Cycad
Lepidozamia - Cycad
Macrozamia - Cycad ; T. internatus specifically noted as 'macrozamia borer'

Similar Taxa

MiltotranesRelated in the Tranes group; also cycad-associated. Distinguished by morphological characters in the 2024 revision .
DemyrsusRelated in the Tranes group; molecular analyses indicate Demyrsus is closely related to Siraton internatus, highlighting complex relationships within the group.
SiratonRelated in the Tranes group; rendered by molecular data showing S. internatus is more closely related to Demyrsus than to S. roei.
ParatranesRelated in the Tranes group; associated with grasstrees (Xanthorrhoea) rather than cycads. Formerly included T. xanthorrhoeae, now synonymized with P. monopticus.

More Details

Taxonomic revision

A 2024 integrative taxonomic study using and mitochondrial expanded Tranes from four to ten , describing six new species: T. chadwicki, T. forsteri, T. kgariensis, T. occidentalis, T. terryae, and T. tinctipennis. A was designated for T. insignipes.

Species count

Prior to the 2024 revision, approximately 11 were listed for Tranes; the revision formally recognized ten species after taxonomic reassessment.

Molecular species delimitation

Distance-based molecular methods generally supported morphological in the Tranes group, demonstrating that effectively delineates natural in this group, with exceptions noted for cryptic diversity in Miltotranes and paraphyly in Siraton.