Cycad-associated
Guides
Rhopalotria
Cycad Weevils
Rhopalotria is a genus of cycad weevils in the beetle family Belidae, comprising approximately six described species. Species in this genus are obligate pollinators of Zamia cycads in the Americas, forming specialized mutualisms where they complete their entire life cycles within male cones. The genus represents a classic example of insect-plant coevolution, with weevils transporting pollen to female cones during visits while feeding and reproducing exclusively on male sporophylls.
Tranes
Tranes is a genus of true weevils in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Molytinae, established by Schoenherr in 1843. Species 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 taxa. The genus is part of the broader Tranes group of cycad- and grasstree-associated weevils found in Australia.
Tranes internatus
macrozamia borer
Tranes internatus is a species of true weevil in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the macrozamia borer. It is associated with cycads, particularly the genus Macrozamia, as a host plant. The species was originally described by Pascoe in 1870 and has been historically classified under the genus Siraton. Molecular studies indicate it is more closely related to the genus Demyrsus than to Siraton roei, rendering Siraton paraphyletic.