An Illustrated Synoptic Key and Comparative Morphology of the Larvae of Dryophthorinae (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) Genera with Emphasis on the Mouthparts

Abstract

This study provides an illustrated synoptic key and comparative morphology to the 38 known larvae of dryophthorine genera representing seven subtribes in four of the five tribes: Cactophagus LeConte, Cosmopolites Chevrolat, Cyrtotrachelus Schoenherr, Diathetes Pascoe, Diocalandra Faust, Dryophthoroides Roelofs, Dryophthorus Germar, Dynamis Chevrolat, Eucalandra Faust, Eugnoristus Schoenherr, Foveolus Vaurie, Mesocordylus Lacordaire, Metamasius Horn, Metamasius (=Paramasius Kuschel), Myocalandra Faust, Nassophasis Waterhouse, Nephius Pascoe, Odoiporus Chevrolat, Phacecorynes Schoenherr, Polytus Faust, Poteriophorus Schoenherr, Rhabdoscelus Marshall, Rhinostomus Rafinesque, Rhodobaenus LeConte, Rhynchophorus Herbst, Scyphophorus Schoenherr, Sipalinus Marshall, Sitophilus Schoenherr, Sparganobasis Marshall, Sphenophorus Schoenherr, Stenommatus Wollaston, Temnoschoita Chevrolat, Trigonotarsus Guerin-Meneville, Trochorhopalus Kirsch, Tryphetus Faust, Xerodermus Lacordaire, and Yuccaborus LeConte. Only Prodioctes Pascoe was not included due to lack of specimens to examine. Seven genera are reported here for the first time. Detailed line drawings of the mouthparts of 37 genera are provided. The synoptic key is a multi-entry key, different from a traditional, single entry dichotomous key, which allows the user to identify dryophthorine larvae using any combination of characters (couplets). A total of 52 characters are included. This study provides support for the retention of Stromboscerini in the subfamily.

Keywords

• weevil larvae
• palm weevils
• invasive species
• comparative morphology