Seed-predators
Guides
Conoderinae
Conoderinae is a diverse subfamily of true weevils (Curculionidae) comprising approximately 2,400 described species across more than 210 genera in 15 tribes. The group exhibits worldwide distribution with particular diversity in tropical regions, especially the Neotropics. Members are characterized by active, alert behavior and frequent association with mimicry complexes. Classification within the subfamily remains chaotic with no robust phylogenetic hypotheses, and many genera are likely not monophyletic.
Curculionini
Curculionini is a tribe of weevils within the subfamily Curculioninae, family Curculionidae. Members of this tribe are characterized by their elongated rostrum and association with nut-bearing trees, particularly oaks. The tribe includes economically significant pests such as acorn weevils in the genus Curculio. Larval development occurs within seeds or nuts of host plants.
Gymnocarena
fruit flies
Gymnocarena is a genus of true fruit flies (family Tephritidae) comprising 19 described species. Most species are native to North America, with one species (G. monzoni) recorded from Guatemala. Larvae develop within the heads of plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), feeding on developing seeds and acting as seed predators. Several species are associated with cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and can be agricultural pests. Adults are characterized by patterned wings typical of tephritid fruit flies.
Stenoptilia
plume moths
Stenoptilia is a genus of plume moths in the family Pterophoridae. Species in this genus are characterized by their specialized feeding relationships with particular host plants, often as seed predators or bud/flower feeders. The genus has been documented across Europe, Asia, and South America, with some species showing strong habitat specificity and limited dispersal capacity.
Terellia
Terellia is a genus of fruit flies in the family Tephritidae, comprising approximately 60 described species distributed across the Palearctic region. Species in this genus are primarily associated with thistles and related plants in the Asteraceae family, with larvae developing in flower heads (capitula) of their host plants. The genus includes several species groups (virens group, amberboae group, tarbinskiorum group) distinguished by morphological characters and host associations. Terellia ruficauda has been used as a biological control agent for Canada thistle.