Weevil

Because so many species exist in such diversity, the higher classification of weevils is in a state of flux. They are generally divided into two major divisions, the Orthoceri or primitive weevils, and the Gonatoceri or true weevils (Curculionidae). E. C. Zimmerman proposed a third division, the Heteromorphi, for several intermediate forms.[3] Primitive weevils are distinguished by having straight antennae, while true weevils have elbowed (geniculate) antennae. The elbow occurs at the end of the scape (first antennal segment) in true weevils, and the scape is usually much longer than the other antennal segments. Some exceptions occur. Nanophyini are primitive weevils (with very long trochanters), but have long scapes and geniculate antennae. From the true weevils, Gonipterinae and Ramphus have short scapes and little or no elbow.

A 1995 classification system to family level was provided by Kuschel,[4] with updates from Marvaldi et al. in 2002,[5] and was achieved using phylogenetic analyses. The accepted families were the primitive weevils, Anthribidae, Attelabidae, Belidae, Brentidae, Caridae, and Nemonychidae, and the true weevils Curculionidae. Most other weevil families were demoted to subfamilies or tribes. Further work resulted in the elevation of Cimberididae to family from placement as a Nemonychidae subfamily in 2017 and the recognition of the Cretaceous age family Mesophyletidae in 2018 from Burmese amber.[6] Weevil species radiation was shown to follow steps in plant evolution upon which the weevils feed; they can vary in color from black to light brown.

A phylogeny of the Curculionoidae based on 18S ribosomal DNA comparison and morphological data conducted by Marvaldi et al in 2002 is suggested below:[5]

• Anthribidae—fungus weevils
• Attelabidae—leaf rolling weevils
• Belidae—primitive weevils
• Brentidae—straight snout weevils
• Caridae
• Cimberididae
• Curculionidae—true weevils
• †Mesophyletidae
• Nemonychidae—pine flower weevils

Rhopalapion longirostre exhibits an extreme case of sexual dimorphism. The female rostrum is twice as long and its surface is smoother than in the male. The female bores egg channels into the buds of Alcea rosea. Thus, the dimorphism is not attributed to sexual selection. It is a response to ecological demands of egg deposition.[7]

• 
  Chrysolopus spectabilis
• 
  Rhinotia hemistictus
• 
  Rhinotia haemoptera
• 
  Lixus scrobicollis
• 
  Lixus angustatus
• 
  Lixus iridis
• 
  Lixus junci
• 
  Diaprepes abbreviatus
• 
  Phyllobius calcaratus
• 
  Gonipterus scutellatus
• 
  Aades cultratus
• 
  Cyphocleonus achates
• 
  Liparus glabiostris
• 
  Rhynchites bicolor
• 
  Apion (Rhopalapion) longirostre
• 
  Apion frumentarium
• 
  Hypera zoilus
• 
  Sitona macularius
• 
  Sitona gressorius
• 
  Curculio glandium
• 
  Curculio nucum
• 
  Curculio elephas
• 
  Polydrusus mollis
• 
  Phyllobius glaucus
• 
  Apoderus coryli
• 
  Orychodes indus
• 
  Platystomos albinus
• 
  Meganthribus pupa
• 
  Sitophilus oryzae
• 
  Anthonomus rubi
• 
  Gonipterus gibberus
• 
  Larinus planus
• 
  Hylobius abietis
• 
  Rhynchophorus cruentatus
• 
  Cyrtepistomus castaneus
• 
  Cionus hortulanus
• 
  Hylobius (Callirus) pinastri
• 
  Vanapa oberthuri
• 
  Trachelophorus giraffe
• 
  Rhigus nigrosparsus
• 
  Phyllerythrurus sanguinolentus
• 
  Rhinostomus barbirostris
• 
  Hypera rumicis larva
• 
  Rhinorhynchus rufulus

• Bright, Donald E.; Bouchard, Patrice (2008). Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae: Weevils of Canada and Alaska Volume 2. Insects and Arachnids of Canada Series, Part 25. Ottawa: NRC Research Press. ISBN 978-0-660-19400-4.

• Media related to Curculionidae at Wikimedia Commons