Bothrosternini

Members of Bothrosternini can be distinguished from related Dryophthorinae tribes by the combination of: an elongated, slender rostrum; antennae with scape extending beyond the rostral apex; and presence of distinct dorsal punctation on the pronotum. The tibiae bear a distinctive uncus (hooked apex) and the body form is generally more cylindrical than flattened.

Tropical and subtropical forests, particularly in lowland and mid-elevation zones. Species are strongly associated with palms (Arecaceae) and other monocotyledonous plants, including bromeliads and bananas.

Primarily Neotropical, ranging from Mexico through Central America and the Caribbean to South America. Some species extend into subtropical regions of the southern United States.

Larvae and adults feed on living or decaying tissues of monocotyledonous plants, especially palms. Some species are known to bore into stems, petioles, or fruits.

• Arecaceae - larval food source; oviposition siteprimary host family; includes coconut, oil palm, and ornamental palms
• Musaceae - larval food sourcebanana and plantain attacked by some species
• Bromeliaceae - larval food sourcebromeliad-associated species recorded

Complete metamorphosis with egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Females oviposit into plant tissues using the elongated rostrum. Larvae are internal feeders, creating galleries in stems or crowns. Pupation occurs within the host plant.

Adults are primarily nocturnal and cryptic, often hiding in leaf axils or under sheaths during daylight. Flight activity is limited; dispersal occurs mainly through transport of infested plant material.

As stem borers in monocots, species contribute to nutrient cycling through their association with decaying plant material. Some species act as primary pests in natural and agricultural ecosystems.

Several species are significant agricultural pests. The coconut weevil complex (including species historically placed in Rhynchophorus but with some Bothrosternini members) causes substantial damage to coconut and oil palm plantations. Infestations can lead to tree death and economic losses in tropical agriculture.

• Rhynchophorinialso in Dryophthorinae with elongated rostrums and palm association; distinguished by antennal club shape and placement of antennal insertion on rostrum
• Dryophthorinisimilar body form but distinguished by shorter, stouter rostrum and different tarsal structure
• Orthognathinishares cylindrical body but differs in rostral groove structure and male genitalia morphology

• weevil
• palm pest
• stem borer
• agricultural pest
• Neotropical

• BugGuide
• iNaturalist taxon