Weevils
Guides
Apostasimerini
flower weevils
Apostasimerini is a large tribe of weevils within the family Curculionidae, commonly referred to as flower weevils. The tribe contains substantial diversity, with estimates ranging from 30+ genera and 70+ species to over 240 genera and nearly 1700 described species depending on taxonomic interpretation. Members are associated with flowering plants, though specific ecological relationships vary across the tribe. The group has been documented across multiple continents with notable representation in North America.
Baridini
flower weevils
Baridini is a tribe of flower weevils within the weevil family Curculionidae, comprising approximately 16 genera and at least 40 described species. Members of this tribe are characterized by their association with flowers and floral structures. The tribe includes genera such as Baris, Trichobaris, and Eurhinus, which are distributed across multiple continents.
Barilepton
flower weevils
Barilepton is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1876. The genus contains approximately 13 described species, commonly referred to as flower weevils. Members of this genus are part of the diverse and economically significant weevil family, though specific biological details for the genus remain poorly documented. The genus is represented by very few observation records, suggesting it may be rarely encountered, understudied, or restricted to specific habitats.
Belidae
Primitive Weevils, Belids, Cycad Weevils (restricted usage)
Belidae is an ancient family of weevils distinguished from true weevils (Curculionidae) by straight rather than elbowed antennae. The family exhibits a relictual Gondwanan distribution, with extant species found primarily in the Australia–New Guinea–New Zealand region, South and Central America, Southeast Asia, Pacific islands, and scattered African localities. Belidae comprises two living subfamilies: Belinae and Oxycoryninae. The family has undergone significant host-plant shifts from ancestral conifer associations to diverse angiosperm lineages, including cycads, palms, and parasitic flowering plants.
Brachyceridae
Brachyceridae is a family of weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea) containing at least 150 genera. The family has been treated historically as a subfamily of Curculionidae, but is now recognized as distinct. Some constituent genera, such as Absoloniella, contain blind, wingless species restricted to Mediterranean regions. The family belongs to the superfamily Curculionoidea, placing it among the true weevils.
Brentidae
straight-snouted weevils, primitive weevils
Brentidae is a cosmopolitan family of weevils distinguished by their straight (non-elbowed) antennae and elongated, often flattened bodies. The family has undergone significant taxonomic expansion, now encompassing approximately 4,000 species across six subfamilies including groups formerly classified in Curculionidae (Apioninae, Cyladinae, Nanophyinae) and the previously separate family Ithycerinae. Members are primarily xylophagous, with larvae feeding on fungi in dead wood. The family exhibits its greatest diversity in tropical regions but extends into temperate zones worldwide.
Brentinae
straight-snouted weevils, primitive weevils
Brentinae is a subfamily of primitive weevils in the family Brentidae, commonly called straight-snouted weevils. Members are distinguished from true weevils (Curculionidae) by their straight, elongated rostrum rather than a geniculate (elbowed) snout. The subfamily contains at least 90 genera and 520 described species, with extreme sexual dimorphism in rostrum and mandible structure observed in some species. The type genus Brentus was used by Gustaf Johan Billberg to establish both the subfamily and family in 1820.
Camarotini
Camarotini is a tribe of weevils within the family Curculionidae, subfamily Curculioninae. Members of this tribe are characterized by their association with palms (Arecaceae), with larvae typically developing in palm tissues. The tribe contains several genera of economic importance due to their impact on coconut and other palm crops.
Ceutorhynchinae
Minute Seed Weevils
Ceutorhynchinae is a large subfamily of minute seed weevils within Curculionidae, comprising over 150 genera and more than 1,000 described species worldwide. The subfamily is predominantly phytophagous and exhibits strong associations with Brassicaceae, though host plant relationships vary across genera. The genus Ceutorhynchus is particularly diverse and includes significant agricultural pests such as the cabbage seedpod weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus), as well as species with potential for biological control of weeds. The subfamily shows highest diversity in the Holarctic region, especially the Palaearctic.
Cionini
Cionini is a tribe of weevils (Curculionidae: Curculioninae) distributed across the Palaearctic region. The tribe includes at least two well-studied genera, Cionus and Stereonychus, with 61 species currently recognized in Cionus alone. Larvae of this tribe exhibit distinctive morphological features that distinguish them from related groups, including reduced numbers of cranial and epipharyngeal setae, one-segmented labial palpi, absent labral rods, and swollen pedal lobes. Members are primarily associated with plants in the family Scrophulariaceae.
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.
Cryptorhynchinae
hidden-snout weevils
Cryptorhynchinae is a large subfamily of weevils (Curculionidae) comprising approximately 6,000 species. The subfamily is distinguished by a rostrum that folds backward between the fore coxae in repose, fitting within a protective channel on the mesoventrite. Molecular evidence supports its monophyly as an independent subfamily rather than inclusion within Molytinae. The group is most diverse in the Neotropics, Australia, and Oceania, with an evolutionary origin in the Late Cretaceous of South America.
Cryptorhynchini
Cryptorhynchini is a tribe of weevils within the subfamily Molytinae (Curculionidae). Members of this tribe are characterized by a rostrum that can be retracted into a ventral groove between the procoxae, a trait reflected in the name 'hidden snout.' The tribe contains numerous genera distributed across multiple continents, with diverse ecological roles including herbivory and, in at least one documented case, behavioral mimicry of dung beetles.
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.
Curculionoidea
weevils, snout beetles, bark beetles
Curculionoidea is a superfamily of beetles containing over 60,000 described species, making it one of the most diverse groups of organisms on Earth. Members are commonly known as weevils, snout beetles, or bark beetles. The superfamily includes several families, with Curculionidae (true weevils) being the largest. Most species are small, herbivorous beetles, though feeding habits vary across families. The group is characterized by distinctive morphological features, particularly modifications to the head and mouthparts.
Dryotribini
Dryotribini is a tribe of weevils within the subfamily Cossoninae of the family Curculionidae. The tribe contains approximately 60 described genera distributed across multiple continents. Members of this tribe are generally small, cryptic weevils associated with dead or decaying plant material. The group has been documented in both temperate and tropical regions, with notable diversity in the Pacific islands and New Zealand.
Entiminae
Broad-nosed Weevils, Broad-nosed Weevil, Short-nosed Weevils
Entiminae is a large subfamily of weevils (Curculionidae) containing over 12,000 described species in more than 1,370 genera. Members are commonly known as broad-nosed or short-nosed weevils due to their characteristically broad, short rostrum. The subfamily exhibits exceptional diversity in size, form, and coloration, with many species displaying metallic or iridescent scales. While most species are polyphagous and feed on a broad range of plants, relatively few are major economic pests. The current tribal classification includes 55 recognized tribes, though this system is considered artificial rather than reflecting natural evolutionary relationships.
Eubulus
hidden snout weevils
Eubulus is a genus of hidden snout weevils in the family Curculionidae, established by Kirsch in 1870. The genus contains at least 200 described species. These beetles are characterized by a concealed rostrum that is not visible from above, a trait that distinguishes them from many other weevil genera.
Gasterocercini
hidden snout weevils
Gasterocercini is a tribe of weevils within the family Curculionidae, commonly referred to as hidden snout weevils. The tribe contains at least four genera—Cophes, Episcirrus, Hohonus, and Rhynchus—with approximately eight described species. These weevils are part of the enormous radiation of snout beetles, though specific biological details for the tribe as a whole remain poorly documented.
Himatolabus
Himatolabus is a genus of leaf-rolling weevils in the family Attelabidae, established by Jekel in 1860. The genus contains approximately 16 described species. As attelabid weevils, members of this genus are associated with leaf-rolling or leaf-folding behaviors, though specific biological details for most species remain poorly documented.
Lechriopini
Lechriopini is a tribe of true weevils (Curculionidae) within the subfamily Baridinae, established by Lacordaire in 1865. The tribe contains over 510 described species distributed across more than 20 genera. Members are characterized by the elongated snout typical of weevils, with morphological diversity reflecting their broad geographic distribution.
Listroderes
vegetable weevils
Listroderes is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Cyclominae. The genus includes at least 170 described species, though some sources suggest a smaller core group. Several species, particularly Listroderes costirostris (vegetable weevil), are significant agricultural pests with broad host ranges. The genus is characterized by distinctive body vestiture of subcircular to suboval scales. Species are native to southern South America, with some introduced widely through human activity.
Loganius
Loganius is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, described by Chapuis in 1869. It belongs to the hyperdiverse beetle order Coleoptera and is placed within the suborder Polyphaga. The genus is taxonomically accepted but remains poorly documented in public biodiversity databases, with no observations recorded in iNaturalist and limited available literature.
Lymantini
Lymantini is a tribe of weevils (Curculionidae: Molytinae) containing genera such as Theognete and Lymantes. The tribe includes leaf-litter inhabiting species in Middle America and North America, with remarkable local endemism. Immature stages and life history remain unknown for most species.
Myrmex
snout and bark beetles
Myrmex is a genus of snout and bark beetles in the family Curculionidae, containing at least 30 described species. These beetles are characterized by the distinctive elongated snout typical of weevils. The genus was established by J. Sturm in 1826. Members of this genus are part of the diverse Curculionidae family, which is one of the largest families of beetles.
Nedyus
minute seed weevils
Nedyus is a genus of minute seed weevils in the family Curculionidae, established by Carl Johan Schoenherr in 1825. The genus contains more than 50 described species. These beetles are small and associated with seeds as their common name suggests. Records indicate presence in northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Oopterinus
antlike weevils
Oopterinus is a genus of antlike weevils in the family Curculionidae, containing approximately 12 described species. The genus was established by Thomas Lincoln Casey in 1892. Species in this genus are characterized by their ant-like appearance, a trait that distinguishes them from other weevil genera. The genus includes species described by multiple authors spanning from 1873 to 1985.
Otidocephalini
antlike weevils
Otidocephalini is a tribe of antlike weevils in the family Curculionidae, characterized by morphological adaptations resembling ants. The tribe comprises at least 6 genera including Laemomerus, Micromyrmex, Myrmex, Oopterinus, Otidocephalus, and Ptinopsis. Members occur in North and South America, with notable diversity in the Amazon and Atlantic Forest regions. Formerly classified as a subfamily (Otidocephalinae), the group now holds tribal rank within Curculionidae.
Peritelini
Peritelini is a tribe of broad-nosed weevils within the subfamily Entiminae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), established by Lacordaire in 1863. The tribe comprises approximately 70+ genera distributed primarily across the Palaearctic region, with notable diversity in the Mediterranean basin including Spain, Italy, Sicily, and Portugal. Taxonomic revisions have led to significant reorganization, including the transfer of genera such as Solariola from Otiorhynchini and the exclusion of Caenopsis to Trachyphloeini. Recent systematic work has described numerous new genera and species, particularly from underexplored regions of southern Europe.
Peritelodes
Peritelodes is a genus of broad-nosed weevils in the beetle family Curculionidae, established by Casey in 1888. The genus belongs to the tribe Peritelini within the subfamily Entiminae. At least one species, P. obtectus, has been described. Members of this genus share the characteristic broad rostrum typical of Entiminae weevils.
Phyrdenus
hidden snout weevils
Phyrdenus is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as hidden snout weevils. The genus was established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1876 and contains more than 20 described species. Members of this genus are part of the diverse Curculionidae family, the largest family of beetles. The common name "hidden snout weevils" refers to a morphological characteristic of the rostrum structure in these beetles.
Pityoborus
Pityoborus is a genus of bark beetles in the family Curculionidae, established by Blackman in 1922. The genus contains approximately 12 described species. These beetles are part of the diverse weevil superfamily Curculionoidea, though specific ecological and morphological details for the genus as a whole remain limited in published sources.
Plocamus
flower weevils
Plocamus is a genus of flower weevils in the beetle family Curculionidae, established by LeConte in 1876. The genus contains nine described species, distributed primarily in North America. Members are associated with flowering plants, though specific host relationships remain poorly documented. The genus includes the porcupine weevil (Plocamus echidna), one of the more frequently referenced species.
Polydrusini
Polydrusini is a tribe of weevils within the subfamily Entiminae, family Curculionidae. The tribe contains approximately 14 recognized genera, including the well-known genus *Polydrusus*. Members of this tribe are broad-nosed weevils, a group characterized by their relatively short, broad rostrum compared to other weevil lineages. The tribe was established by Schönherr in 1823 and has undergone taxonomic revision, with the genus *Polydrusus* receiving particular nomenclatural attention through ICZN Opinion 1179 in 1981.
Premnobius
Premnobius is a genus of bark beetles in the family Curculionidae, established by Wilhelm Joseph Eichhoff in 1878. The genus contains more than 30 described species. Members are classified within the weevil family, though they exhibit the wood-boring habits characteristic of bark beetles. The genus is part of the diverse Curculionidae, one of the largest families of beetles.
Sciaphilini
Sciaphilini is a tribe of weevils within the subfamily Entiminae, family Curculionidae. The tribe was established by Sharp in 1891 and contains approximately 50 genera distributed across multiple continents. Members of this tribe are part of the broad-nosed weevil group, characterized by their relatively unconstrained rostrum structure compared to other curculionid lineages.
Smicraulax
Smicraulax is a genus of small true weevils in the family Curculionidae, comprising six described species. The genus was established by W.D. Pierce in 1908 and has received limited biological study. Species occur primarily in southwestern North America. The genus remains taxonomically and biologically poorly understood.
Smicronychini
Smicronychini is a tribe of true weevils (Curculionidae) established by Seidlitz in 1891. The tribe comprises at least seven genera, including the large genus Smicronyx. Species in this tribe have been documented in southern Africa, where 18 species are recognized, and are associated with host plants in the families Gentianaceae, Orobanchaceae, and Convolvulaceae.
Synapiina
Synapiina is a subtribe of weevils within the family Brentidae, characterized by elongated, slender bodies and antennae that are straight or only weakly elbowed. Members of this subtribe are distinguished from other brentid groups by specific genitalic and rostral features. The subtribe includes multiple genera and is primarily distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. These weevils are associated with woody plants, though specific host relationships remain poorly documented for many species.
Trachelizini
primitive weevils
Trachelizini is a tribe of primitive weevils within the family Brentidae, subfamily Brentinae. The tribe contains at least 100 genera organized into nine recognized subtribes, with two additional genera currently unplaced. Members are characterized by elongated, slender body forms typical of brentid weevils. The tribe has been subject to significant taxonomic revision, with subtribal classifications established by multiple authors from 1865 to 1999.
Tropiphorini
Tropiphorini is a tribe of weevils within the subfamily Entiminae, characterized by broad-nosed morphology typical of the group. The tribe was established by Marseul in 1863 and contains approximately 120 genera distributed across multiple continents. Members are primarily ground-dwelling weevils with diverse ecological associations. The tribe has undergone taxonomic revision, with some classifications treating it as a synonym of Byrsopagini.
Tyloderma
hidden snout weevils
Tyloderma is a genus of hidden snout weevils in the family Curculionidae. The genus contains at least 77 described species distributed across North, Central, and South America. One species, Tyloderma fragariae, is a documented agricultural pest of strawberry plants in North America. Members of this genus are characterized by their concealed rostrum, a trait that distinguishes them from many other weevil groups.
Zygopini
twig and stem weevils
Zygopini is a tribe of weevils in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as twig and stem weevils. The tribe contains more than 20 genera and at least 250 described species. The majority of diversity occurs in the Neotropics, with 8 genera endemic to South America and 11 genera extending north of South America. Two genera have been recorded from Africa. Members are associated with woody plant tissues.