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A remarkable new species of flesh-fly mimicking weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Conoderinae) from Southeastern Brazil

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Timorus sarcophagoides, new species (type-locality: Brazil, Minas Gerais, Santana do Riacho - Serra do Cipó, 43o 35'W 19o 17'S, 1200–1300m ASL), is described and illustrated. The new species can be distinguished mainly from the other species of the genus by the sexual dimorphism of the male rostrum armed with a hooked tubercle at the base of the dorsal carina, while the tubercle is absent in the female and the corresponding region of the carina is only tumid. The new species has a striking pattern of coloration and behavior that mimics flesh-flies in the family Sarcophagidae. Observations on the natural history of the new species are reported and discussed.
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Accepted by R. Anderson: 27 Jun. 2012; published: 8 Aug. 2012
ZOOTAXA
ISSN 1175-5326 (print edition)
ISSN 1175-5334 (online edition)
Copyright © 2012 · Magnolia Press
Zootaxa 3413: 5563 (2012)
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55
A remarkable new species of flesh-fly mimicking weevil (Coleoptera:
Curculionidae: Conoderinae) from Southeastern Brazil
SERGIO A. VANIN1,4 & TADEU J. GUERRA2, 3
1Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, Travessa 14, 101, 05508-900, São
Paulo, SP, Brazil. E-mail: savanin@ib.usp.br
2Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), C.P. 6109,
13083970, Campinas, SP, Brazil
3Actual address: Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. C.P. 486,
30161-970, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Email: guerra.tj@gmail.com
4Corresponding author. E-mail: savanin@ib.usp.br
Abstract
Timorus sarcophagoides, new species (type-locality: Brazil, Minas Gerais, Santana do Riacho - Serra do Cipó, 43o35'W
19o17'S, 1200–1300m ASL), is described and illustrated. The new species can be distinguished mainly from the other spe-
cies of the genus by the sexual dimorphism of the male rostrum armed with a hooked tubercle at the base of the dorsal
carina, while the tubercle is absent in the female and the corresponding region of the carina is only tumid. The new species
has a striking pattern of coloration and behavior that mimics flesh-flies in the family Sarcophagidae. Observations on the
natural history of the new species are reported and discussed.
Key words: mimicry, natural history, Sarcophagidae, Serra do Cipó, taxonomy, Timorus, Zygopini
Resumo
Timorus sarcophagoides, nova espécie (Localidade-tipo: Brasil, Minas Gerais, Santana do Riacho - Serra do Cipó,
43o35'W 19o17'S, 1200–1300m), é descrita e ilustrada. A nova espécie pode ser distinguida das outras espécies do gênero
principalmente pelo marcante dimorfismo sexual no rostro dos machos armados com um tubérculo em forma de gancho
na base dorsal da carina, enquanto nas fêmeas o tubérculo é ausente e a região correspondente da carina é apenas intu-
mescida. A nova espécie possui um notável padrão de coloração e comportamento que mimetiza moscas da família Sar-
cophagidae. Observações sobre a história natural da nova espécie são apresentadas e discutidas.
Introduction
The subfamily Conoderinae 1833 (until recently known as Zygopinae Lacordaire, 1866) includes more than 200
genera and approximately 1,500 species worldwide (Alonso-Zarazaga & Lyal, 1999). Most of the genera of
Conoderinae were described in the 19th or early 20th century and have never been revised. The only available keys
for genera of Conoderinae of the world were provided by Heller (1894, 1895). The delimitation of genera is very
difficult because of the lack of a phylogenetic hypothesis of the subfamily and becomes even more difficult with
the discovery of large numbers of undescribed species that link genera or do not fit current concepts (Hespenheide,
2009).
Weevils in the Conoderinae are known often for their distinct color patterns related to predator avoidance
(Hespenheide, 1995). For instance, in Panama and Costa Rica nearly 20% of species are involved in mimicry com-
plexes based on putative models such as flies, ants, beetles and bees (Hespenheide, 1995). However, most mimetic
species in Conoderinae resemble flies (Hespenheide, 1995). Hespenheide (1973) first described a mimicry com-
plex involving Neotropical beetles and flies, and listed nearly 60 species in 21 genera in six families with a conver-
VANIN & GUERRA
56 · Zootaxa 3413 © 2012 Magnolia Press
gent coloration pattern resembling flies, mostly from Central America tropical forests. Since these species are
found in different beetle families and genera in which many species are not mimetic, fly mimicry is probably an
adaptive form of homoplasy (Hespenheide 1973, 1995). Hespenheide (1973) reported 34 fly mimicking species in
nine genera among Neotropical Zygopinae (Conoderinae), but in a subsequent review (Hespenheide, 1995) the
author indicated 75 species in nine genera among Conoderinae as mimics of flies. However, many species of this
group remain undescribed, and descriptions of those fly mimicking weevils available are based in specimens from
museum collections and, therefore, basic information on their biology is still lacking.
The senior author (SAV) was requested by the second author (TJG) to identify a remarkable fly-mimicking
weevil. The species was promptly identified as belonging to the Conoderinae-Zygopini, because the rostral channel
is formed only by the prosternum. A search of Curculionidae in the collection of the "Museu de Zoologia, Univer-
sidade de São Paulo" (MZSP) disclosed some Conoderinae weevils with similar color pattern, but only two uniden-
tified conspecific specimens, one also from the State of Minas Gerais (Lagoa Santa) and another from the State of
Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro). A closer examination of those specimens showed that they would key to Timorus
Schoenherr, 1838, in Heller's key (1845). We give below a description of the new species and additionally we
report observations on its natural history.
Material and methods
The taxonomic study was done by S. A. Vanin. Adults were dissected in water, under a stereomicroscope (Wild
M5A). Temporary slides were mounted in glycerin and drawings were made using a Leitz SM-Lux compound
microscope or a stereomicroscope Wild M5A, both fitted with a camera lucida. Adult habitus photos were taken
with a stereomicroscope Leica M125 with coupled Magnifier in DV camera Leica DFC.
The field observations and specimens collections were conducted by T. J. Guerra at Reserva Particular do
Patrimônio Natural (RPPN) Vellozia, a private area of “Campos Rupestres” varying from 1100 to 1400 m above
sea level, in the vicinity of Serra do Cipó National Park, Municipality of Santana do Riacho, Minas Gerais,
Southeastern Brazil (43º 35’W, 19º 17’S). The vegetation is typical of the Espinhaço Mountain Range, comprising
mosaics of open fields and rocky outcrops with developed herbaceous strata, many bushes and sparse small trees
(Fig. 16). These ecosystems harbor a highly diversified flora associated with quartzite rock outcrops and with
shallow, acid and nutrient poor soils in areas higher than 1000 m above sea level (Giulietti et al., 1997). Climate is
mesotermic (Cwb of Köpen) with cold dry winters from May to September and hot wet summers from October to
April (Madeira & Fernandes, 1999). In the field observations, nearly 50 host plants were inspected monthly from
October 2007 to March 2009, when some host plants were pruned and placed in rearing containers for inspection
during the following months.
Results
Taxonomy
Timorus sarcophagoides, sp nov.
(Figs. 1 15)
Type material. Brazil. Holotype male (dissected). Minas Gerais, "Santana do Riacho - Serra do Cipó 43o35'W
19o17'S, altitude 1100–1300m, XII.2007 T.J. Guerra col.; campo rupestre, on Psittacanthus robustus, Loran-
thaceae", (MZSP). Paratypes: same data as holotype, 4 (1 dissected), 7 (2 dissected) (MZSP); Minas Gerais,
"Lagoa Santa, 26.XI.1960, Araújo e Martins", 1 (MZSP). Rio de Janeiro, "Rio de Janeiro (Corcovado), X. 1957,
M. Alvarenga", 1 dissected (MZSP).
Description. Length (rostrum excluded), male: 6.3–8.4 mm; female: 8.7–10.0 mm. Body rhomboidal. Integu-
ment black, vestiture formed by colored scales; frons ochreous, yellow above and behind eye; middle longitudinal
carina and lateral triangular-shaped area behind eye glabrous and shiny-black; rostrum with whitish scales, denser
in basal half. Prothorax with one broad patch of dense carmine scales on anterior margin, extending down to flanks;
yellow scales forming irregular fringe almost bordering each carmine patch laterad and posteriad, and less dense
Zootaxa 3413 © 2012 Magnolia Press · 57
NEW SPECIES OF FLESH-FLY MIMICKING WEEVIL FROM BRAZIL
yellow scales forming three pairs of spots, one elongate oval on each side of median longitudinal pronotal carina
and two irregular-shaped behind carmine patch; basal third of elytra with ochreous and yellowish-white scales con-
centrating densely on interstriae 2, 4, 6 and 8, while interstriae 1, 3, 5 and 7 blackish, resulting in contrasting pat-
tern of light and dark irregular stripes; epipleura with two dark spots. Ventral margin and legs covered by elongate
whitish scales; with oval patch of ochreus scales on each side, extending from ventrite II to base of ventrite V, sur-
rounded by yellow scales. Metespisternum and base of ventrites I and II glabrous.
FIGURES 1–7. Timorus sarcophagoides, sp. nov., habitus: 1, male holotype (length: 8.4 mm), lateral view; 2, male holotype,
dorsal view; 3, female paratype from Santana do Riacho (length: 8.7 mm), lateral view; 4, female paratype, dorsal view; male
paratype from Rio de Janeiro (length 6.3 mm), detail of head and pronotum, lateral view; 6, same, frontal view of head and ros-
trum; 7, female paratype from Santana do Riacho, frontal view of head and rostrum.
VANIN & GUERRA
58 · Zootaxa 3413 © 2012 Magnolia Press
FIGURES 8 15. Timorus sarcophagoides, sp. nov. FIGURES 8 11, paratype from Santana do Riacho: 8, body, ventral view,
head, median and hind legs omitted; 9, spermatheca, lateral view; 10, coxites and styli, dorsal view; 11, sternite VIII, ventral
view; FIGURES 12 15, holotype, male terminalia: 12, tegmen, lateral view; 13, tegmen, dorsal view; 14, median lobe, lateral
view; 15, median lobe, dorsal view.
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NEW SPECIES OF FLESH-FLY MIMICKING WEEVIL FROM BRAZIL
Head (Figs. 5 7) Eyes oval, acuminate inferiorly, inner margin sinuous, large and well separated, narrowest
distance in front about 0.9X width of rostrum at base; inferiorly more separated by distance about 1.2X width of
rostrum at base; front shallowly concave between eyes, with middle carina extending from base of head to central
fovea. Rostrum slightly longer than pronotum, moderately stout, weakly curved, feebly depressed in basal half,
with dorsal carina more developed in males, with tuberculiform process at base; antennal insertion behind middle.
Antenna with scape clavate, not reaching base of eye, shorter than funicle; funicle with seven antennomeres; anten-
nomeres 1st and 2nd with similar lengths; 3rd and 4th subequal , about 0.7X as long as 2nd, 5th to 7th subequal,
about as long as broad, slightly shorter than 4th; club oval, about as long as length of three preceding antennomeres
combined, basal antennomere about half as long as club length.
Prothorax (Figs. 1 4) subtrapezoidal, rather convex, transverse, slightly broader than long (1.1–1.2X);
rounded at posterior angles, wider near posterior fifth and there converging gradually towards weakly constricted
apex; anterior margin straight with acuminate angles, posterior margin bisinuous and with basal lobe produced and
emarginate posteriad before scutellum; dorsal middle carina not attaining frontal and hind margins, anterior half of
carina sharp, posterior half wider, flattened and sulcate at middle; pronotal disc with depressed areas smoother, sur-
rounded by densely rugosely punctate and bare areas. Postocular lobes prominent.
Scutellum exposed, free, rounded, tuberculiform, with withish scales.
Elytra (Figs. 1 4) 1.3 1.4 times as long as broad, wider than prothorax, elongate, margins gently converging
posteriorly and abruptly constricted near apices, sharply margined externally by acute carina on intestriae 9; humeri
prominent; apices obliquely truncate, each produced into a minute spine. Elytral striae poorly developed, each
puncture with small scale inside; alternate interstriae 3, 5, 7 and 9 with sharp, bare and shiny carina from base to
elytral declivity; alternate interstriae 2, 4, 6 and 8 with feeble carina; interstriae 1 and 2 adjacent to scutellum
slightly depressed; margin of elytron recovered by slender yellowish scales, outer margin minutely crenulated
Venter (Fig. 8). Rostral canal formed by prosternum and sides of forecoxae extending to mesosternum. Pros-
ternum with deep canal, bordered by sharp carina reaching the anterior region of forecoxae; inner side of each fore-
coxae prolonged posteriad by flattened process forming continuing margin of rostral canal. Mesosternum declivous
posteriad, depressed anteriad at middle accommodatingtip of rostrum. Metaventrite convex.
Abdomen with ventrites 3 and 4 equal in length. Pygidium covered.
Legs (Figs. 1, 3). Femora curved, compressed and weakly clavate, carinate on both inner and outer surfaces
and armed beneath with oblique tooth; hind femora larger than fore and midfemora, their apices just exceeding pos-
terior margin of ventrite 3. Tarsal claws simple.
Male terminalia. Aedeagus (Figs. 14, 15): median lobe slender, feebly curved, 3.3 X as long as wide (median
struts excluded), lateral margins converging gradually from base to near apex, then more strongly convergent and
ending in triangular point; median lobe about 1.3 X as long as median struts; endophallus with a pair of uncinate
sclerites. Tegmen as in Figs. 12, 13.
Female terminalia. Coxites (Fig. 10) elongate, weakly sclerotized; stylus apical, elongate, cylindrical, slightly
curved outwards, apex rounded and setulose; sternite VIII elongate (Fig. 11), setulose, apex truncate. Spermatheca
(Fig. 9) U-shaped, ramus and collum closely approximate.
Etymology: Greek, sarcophagoides, like sarcophagid flies.
Type-locality: Brazil, Minas Gerais, Santana do Riacho - Serra do Cipó 43o35'W 19o17'S, altitude 1100–1300m
ASL.
Geographic distribution: the new species is represented in Southeastern Brazil, in the states of Minas Gerais
and Rio de Janeiro.
Biology. Timorus sarcophagoides was found exclusively on live, adult and reproductive woody mistletoes,
Psittacanthus robustus Mart. (Loranthaceae) (Fig. 16). The new species is a specialized phytophage feeder on P.
robustus in both adult and larval stages. During two consecutive years of observation adult weevils were found
exclusively from November to February, overlapping the flowering period of the host plant species. Adult weevils
fed mostly on flower buds (Fig. 17). They usually pierced receptacles chewing soft tissues of the ovaries, but also
on the tips of closed buds feeding on pollen grains and stamens. Weevils also fed on soft tissues in leaf axils (Fig.
18). In January and February females were observed chewing tiny roles in the haustorial root of the host plant (Fig.
19) where they oviposited (Fig. 20). The larva is rhizophagous, developing as a borer inside the haustorium of the
host plants (Fig.21). Larvae were found from March to September, during the dry season. Pupae were found exclu-
sively inside haustorial roots in October, suggesting that the metamorphosis ends just before the beginning of the
VANIN & GUERRA
60 · Zootaxa 3413 © 2012 Magnolia Press
rainy season. Adults emerged from mistletoes in November 2009, coinciding with the beginning of the host plant
blooming period. While moving, weevils perform unusual jerking movements of the legs and a stereotypical leg
scrubbing behavior mimicking the behavior of flesh-flies. Disturbed weevils usually hide on the underside of
leaves or shoots moving in the opposite direction of the threat stimuli. More effective capture attempts usually
induced weevils to drop off of the host plants. Hand-captured individuals performed thanatosis (Fig. 22). The new
species is diurnal and at night individuals were observed resting completely motionless on leaves. Adult weevils
walk throughout the whole area of the host plant, rarely leaving mistletoes by flight. While chewing, weevils
inserted their long rostrum in host tissues, and this feeding behavior made it difficult for them to drop off or move
away quickly, probably making them more susceptible to attacks of natural enemies.
FIGURES 16 23. FIGURE 16, host plant Psittacanthus robustus Mart. (Loranthaceae); 17–22, Timorus sarcophagoides, sp.
nov; 17, weevil feeding on flower receptacle and detail of pierced flower bud; 18, weevil on leaf axils; 19, female chewing host
plant; 20, oviposition placed in the haustorium; 21, weevil larva developing inside host plant; note the excavated tunnel inside
haustorium; 22, thanatosis behavior of a captured weevil; 23 a flesh-fly model (Sarcophagidae) perched on host plant.
Zootaxa 3413 © 2012 Magnolia Press · 61
NEW SPECIES OF FLESH-FLY MIMICKING WEEVIL FROM BRAZIL
Discussion
The tribe Zygopini were first recognized as "Zygopides vrais" by Lacordaire (1866) and defined by him as
"Zygopides with the rostral channel formed only by the prosternum". Zygopini Lacordaire, 1866, as recognized by
Alonzso-Zarazaga and Lyal (1999) is a predominantly Neotropical tribe with 33 genera, of which 31 are
represented in the Neotropics and only two are exclusive to Africa (Cameroon and Tanzania). Heller (1894, 1895)
provided the only available keys to the genera of Conoderinae, where 23 of the genera of Zygopini considered valid
by Alonso-Zarazaga & Lyal (1999) are included, 18 of which are represented in Brazil according to Wibmer &
O'Brien (1986). Heller's key (1895) has many generic names considered synonyms by Alonso-Zarazaga & Lyal
(1999) and is outdated because 12 new genera of Zygopini have been described after 1895 (10 Neotropical and two
Ethiopian). Nevertheless, it is still useful for helping in identification of the Brazilian Zygopini since only two of
the genera represented in Brazil are not included in the key, Lissoderes Champion, 1906 (monobasic) and
Copturomorpha Champion, 1906. Timorus sarcophagoides differs from these two genera mainly by the following:
in Copturomorpha the metasternum is more or less hollowed between the middle coxae and the femora are not or
are only obsoletely dentate beneath, while in Timorus the metasternum is not hollowed and the femora are
distinctly dentate beneath; in Lissoderes the femora are linear and unarmed whilst in Timorus the femora are
weakly clavate and distinctly dentate beneath.
The new species cannot be assigned to any of the other eight Neotropical genera of Zygopini described by
Champion (1906) and Hustache (1932) after the publication of Heller's key (1895). Considering the seven genera
described by Champion (1906), Arachnomorpha, Microzygops and Philenis can be easily distinguished by having
the eyes subcontiguous or narrowly separated in front (eyes are widely separated in Timorus). Helleriella, Larides,
Phileas and Zygopsella have eyes well separated as in Timorus, however in Helleriella, Phileas and Zygopsella the
ocular lobes are very weak or absent. Moreover, in Heleriella the prothorax is cylindrical and much more elongate,
in Phileas and Larides the rostrum is shorter, more curved and robust, and in Zygopsella the prothorax is very gib-
bous and each elytron is armed with a stout dentiform process. Paramnemynellus Hustache, 1932 differs by the
femora sulcate beneath, the posterior femora not carinate and reaching the elytral apices, while in Timorus the fem-
ora are not sulcate or carinate on the outersurface, and the apex of the hind femora just surpasses the posterior mar-
gin of ventrite III.
The new species is tentatively assigned to the genus Timorus Schoenherr, 1838. Timorus has never been
revised and shares with other Zygopini genera many of the characters presented in the original description
(Schoennher 1838), such as the prominent postocular lobes, the femora unidentate beneath and carinate on the
outer edge, the hind femora slightly more elongate than the fore- and midfemora, and the hind femora with their
apices barely exceeding the posterior margin of ventrite II, the antennomeres 1st and 2nd with about equal length,
the rostrum dorsally carinate, moderately slender and weakly curved, the pygidium concealed by elytra, the
inferiorly acuminate eyes, and ventrite 2 as long as the length of 3 and 4 combined. Timorus includes seven
described species, five from Brazil and two from French Guyana (Wibmer & O'Brien, 1986). None of the seven
species described in Timorus by Chevrolat (1879), Heller (1904), Hustache (1938) and Rosenschoeld (1838) has
the sexual dimorphism or the coloration pattern similar to those reported above for T. sarcophagoides.
Sexual dimorphism involving modifications of the rostrum have been reported for other Neotropical
Conoderinae, including Lissoderes spp. (Hustache, 1938; Hespenheide, 1987) and Pseudolechriops spp.
(Hespenheide & Lapierre, 2006). Other outstanding sexual dimorphism was reported for some males of Old World
Zygopini, which have a pair of long thoracic spines similar to those occurring in some Baridinae weevils and used
for intra-specific contests (Kojima & Lyal, 2002). These sexually dimorphic weapon-like structures are expected to
evolve as a result of intra-sexual selection, when males interact agonistically to compete for females (Emlen,
2008). However, adaptive significance of sexual dimorphism of weevils` rostrum remains controversial (Wilhelm
et al., 2011). In effect, the natural history of the group is still poorly known (Souza et al. 1998; Weng et al., 2007)
and contests between males have been reported for only two Conoderinae (Lyal, 1986). The rostrum armed with a
hooked tubercle could be related to fighting ability of male weevils, although function of this structure in sexual
selection needs further investigation.
The new species has a striking pattern of coloration and behavior which resembles flesh-flies from Sarcophagi-
dae. In the weevil collection of the "Museu de Zoologia, Universidade de São Paulo", we found unidentified spe-
cies belonging to other genera of Conoderinae which are similarly colored and also resemble flesh-flies (Copturus,
VANIN & GUERRA
62 · Zootaxa 3413 © 2012 Magnolia Press
2 spp., Mnemynurus, 1 sp. and Zygops, 1 sp.). It should be noted that T. sarcophagoides has a pattern of coloration
extremely similar to a species of another genus listed by Hespenheide as a fly mimic (l.c.), the monobasic Panama-
nian Lechriopini Euzurus ornativentris Champion, 1906 (Champion, 1906, vol. 4, tab. 3, figs 21, and 21a). The dis-
tribution of the colored patches is very similar in both species, even on the abdominal ventrites.
This is the first case of fly mimicry reported for a South American weevil species and also the first case of such
a mimicry system in a savanna ecosystem. Red headed flies have been record as models for at least 58 species in
eight genera among Conoderinae (Hespenheide, 1995) in Central America tropical forests. However, Hespenheide
(1973) observed flies in families Tachinidae, Muscidae and Tabanidae as the models of mimicking weevils from
Central America. Flesh-flies were commonly observed on rock outcrops through the whole year, but they seem to
be especially abundant from November to March, during the wet and hot season. These flies frequently perch on
the vegetation, including flowers and leaves of P. robustus (Fig. 23). However, resemblance with flesh-flies is
probably not species specific. Considering size, presence of bright red eyes, variegated coloration of the dorsum’s
midsection and transparent wings, this weevil presents external convergence with flesh-fly species in the genera
Ravinia, Peckia (Euboettcheria) and Oxysarcodexia (C.A. Mello-Patiu, pers. com.). More studies are required to
assess model species involved in this mimicry system, their micro-habitat use and abundance through the year.
Hespenheide (1995) concluded that fly mimicry among weevils is a tropical phenomenon, occurring more fre-
quently among 4–8 mm phytophagous weevils that use branches and trunks as micro-habitat during their daily
activities. The new species is a tropical phytophagous weevil with life cycle associated with one plant species, as
most Curculionidae (Anderson, 1993; McKenna et al., 2009), matching size and micro-habitat use of other mimic
species (Hespenheide, 1995). Although weevils associated to mistletoes have been reported by Anderson (1994),
the author found no fly mimic species. According to Hespenheide (1973), adaptive significance of fly mimicry by
beetles is related to predator avoidance. Nevertheless, flies are not known to be chemically protected and distaste-
ful to predators. Hespenheide (1973) argued that external convergence with fly models confers protection to beetles
because flies are agile and are a hard to catch prey group. Since these mimicry systems involve bright coloration,
Hespenheide (1973) realized that the evolution of these adaptations must be related to selective pressure exerted by
visually oriented predators, particularly flycatching and foliage-gleaning birds. Because beetles are also quick and
difficult to capture, Hespenheide (1973) argued that this mimicry system can be classified as Mullerian, although
color convergence is probably not mutual.
Our observations on the natural history of T. sarcophagoides led us to agree with Hespenheide's hypothesis.
However, the ecological background of this mimicry system is still unexplored. Hespenheide's predictions regard-
ing adaptive significance of fly mimicry by Neotropical beetles remain untested in the field or under laboratory
conditions. Indeed, the evolution of mimicry systems based on palatable but difficult to capture models remains
controversial, and up to now, this phenomenon has not been demonstrated unequivocally (Ruxton et al., 2004). The
new species described here could be used as model for future studies addressing the occurrence of evasive mimicry
in nature.
Acknowledgments
To Dr. Cátia Antunes de Mello Patiu (Museu Nacional do Rio de Janeiro) for identification of the genera of the sar-
cophagid flies; to Dr. Ricardo Pinto da Rocha (Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo) for providing
access to his photo equipament (FAPESP 2008/06604-7); to Bruno Medeiros for the stereomicroscope photos; to
Ricardo Pires Vanin for the electronic treatment of the habitus photographs; to Juares Fuhrmann, Cassio Coletinha
and Fabiano Albertoni for assistance with the electronic editing of figures 1 to 15 and 16 to 23, respectively; to
Daniela de Cassia Ben for inking the line drawings. Tadeu J. Guerra was supported by a doctoral fellowship from
Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) and a reseach grant (no. 07/59444-4)
from Fundação e Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP).
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Supplementary resource (1)

... A notable exception within the red-eyed fly complex is the weevil Timorus sarcophagoides Vanin and Guerra (Conoderinae, Curculionodae), found on mistletoes parasitizing small trees in tropical mountains, which allows detailed field observations and experimental manipulations (Vanin and Guerra 2012). Like other fly-like conoderine weevils, T. sarcophagoides presents a striking external coloration with conspicuous reddish patches on each side of the pronotum (Vanin and Guerra 2012; fig. ...
... Additionally, T. sarcophagoides performs behavioral mimicry, walking in a stereotypical manner and grooming its legs by rubbing them together, as flesh flies often do (video S1). In contrast to other fly-like conoderine weevils, T. sarcophagoides is quite sluggish, and when disturbed, they prefer to move to the opposite side of the threat stimulus, and if captured, they perform thanatosis (Vanin and Guerra 2012). Overall, the combination of sluggishness and palatability with aposematic coloration suggests that T. sarcophagoides is a Batesian mimic rather than a Müllerian mimic (Guerra 2019). ...
... Timorus sarcophagoides is a specialized phytophagous weevil with life cycle associated to a single host plant species in areas encompassing campo rupestre vegetation (Vanin and Guerra 2012;Guerra 2019). The woody mistletoe Psittacanthus robustus (Loranthaceae; fig. ...
Article
Many Neotropical beetles present coloration patterns mimicking red-eyed flies, which are presumably evasive mimicry models. However, the role of predators in selecting for evasive mimics in nature remains untested. In a field experiment, we used nontoxic plasticine replicas of a specialized fly-mimicking beetle species, which we placed on the host plants of the beetles. We show that replicas painted with reddish patches simulating the eyes of flesh flies experienced a much lower predation rate than control replicas. We found that beak marks were the most frequent signs of attack on plasticine replicas, underlining the potential selective pressure exerted by birds. Replicas that matched the size of the beetles suffered higher predation than smaller or larger replicas. The predation rate was also higher for beetle replicas exposed during the warm and wet season, when adult beetles occur. Our results support predator-mediated selection of mimic beetles, highlighting that reddish spots resembling flies’ eyes comprise an important trait in reducing attack by avian predators. Keywords: adaptive significance, campo rupestre, color, evasive mimicry, insectivorous birds, predation risk, plasticine replicas.
... In 2007, I recorded a mimic beetle and its model side by side ( Fig. 1) in Brazilian mountaintop grasslands (43°33 0 W, 19°15 0 S, 1,300 above sea level). This beetle has an external coloration extremely similar to flesh flies (Sarcophagidade), including species within the genera Ravinia, Peckia (Euboettcheria), and Oxysarcodexia (Vanin and Guerra 2012). The illusion made by colored scales forming two large reddish spots on each side of weevils' pronotum, resembling flesh flies' red eyes, is remarkable. ...
... I sent some specimens to Sergio Vanin, a Brazilian taxonomist who found it to be an undescribed weevil species (Curculionidae, Conoderinae), later named Timorus sarcophagoides (Vanin and Guerra 2012). In the process, I learned that some Neotropical beetles have a striking coloration pattern and external morphology resembling flies that makes them some of the finest candidates for evasive mimics in nature (Hespenheide 1973). ...
... Timorus sarcophagoides is a highly specialized phytophagous weevil living exclusively on the mistletoe Psittacanthus robustus (Loranthaceae; Vanin and Guerra 2012). From May 2008 to April 2009, I monitored 78 adult mistletoe plants on a monthly basis to examine the occurrence of flesh fly mimics and its relationship with plant phenology. ...
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Mimics are the protagonists of evolutionary plays occurring in ecological theaters. In these Darwinian tragicomedies, predators, preys or even partners act as mimics’ dupe. The ability to mimic other species is a striking example of evolution by natural selection, which has long attracted the attention of naturalists (e.g., Bates 1862, Müller 1879). By copying signals from a model organism, some mimics are able to fool predators that usually avoid poisonous or disgusting species (Ruxton et al. 2018). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
... One recently described example of an insect species that mimics a red-eyed calyptrate fly is Timorus sarcophagoides, a species of South American weevil (Vanin and Guerra 2012). This species not only bears a close morphological resemblance to flesh flies but also mimics their behavior, going so far as to groom its legs by rubbing them together in a manner common to many Diptera but quite atypical of Coleoptera (Guerra 2019;Vanin and Guerra 2012). ...
... One recently described example of an insect species that mimics a red-eyed calyptrate fly is Timorus sarcophagoides, a species of South American weevil (Vanin and Guerra 2012). This species not only bears a close morphological resemblance to flesh flies but also mimics their behavior, going so far as to groom its legs by rubbing them together in a manner common to many Diptera but quite atypical of Coleoptera (Guerra 2019;Vanin and Guerra 2012). In the concluding sentence of his paper making a compelling (albeit circumstantial) case that the weevil is an evasive mimic, Guerra (2019) noted that "field experiments using plasticine replicas of weevils placed on their microhabitat..could be used to test the idea that adaptive significance of flesh fly mimicry relates to selective pressure exerted by avian predators". ...
Article
Calyptrate muscoids (Diptera: Schizophora) are globally distributed flies and among the most maneuverable of flying insects. A salient feature of many calyptrate species is their large red eyes. Given their abundance and evasiveness, it has been postulated that birds might learn to associate the red eye trait with difficulty of capture, and subsequently avoid this prey type. This hypothesis is strengthened by the observation that many arthropods, from spiders to weevils, appear to have evolved a resemblance to calyptrates, including their prominent red eyes. To test the hypothesis directly we pinned 1000 artificial beetles with grey and red eyes onto trees over three separate transects and inspected them 26 days later. As predicted, there was over twice the predation on grey-eyed beetles than red-eyed beetles. The implications of this result are discussed, including how one could quantify the ecological and phylogenetic association between a signaller’s red eyes and its evasiveness.
... Before this, other species in this insect genera, M. arizonicus, and M. algerti, were also reported from mistletoes in the United States [226,227]. Recently, another phytophagous weevil, Timorus sarcophagoides (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) [228], has been reported to feed and carry out its life cycle exclusively on the parrot flower mistletoe, Psittacanthus robustus (Loranthaceae). It feeds on soft tissues in the flower buds, pollen grains, stamens, ovaries, and leaf axils, as well as digging tiny holes in the haustoria to oviposit and lay eggs. ...
... These were oligophagous in their restricted inhabitance to Loranthaceae mistletoes. Some insects complete part of their life cycle on mistletoes in the form of egg deposits [225][226][227][228]. One such family is Buprestidae (Coleoptera) of the Jewel beetles [232,233]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Simple Summary In this article, we discuss the current status of conventional management and control approaches for mistletoes, the hemiparasitic plants that have emerged as serious pests of trees in forests and commercial fruit and timber plantations. We highlight the research and implementation gaps and discuss possible newer biotechnological interventions to be made in relation to biological control agents and mistletoe-resistant tree cultivars. We also discuss the potential of smart technological alternatives that find synergies with conventional approaches. Abstract Mistletoes have been considered a keystone resource for biodiversity, as well as a remarkable source of medicinal attributes that attract pharmacologists. Due to their hemiparasitic nature, mistletoes leach water and nutrients, including primary and secondary metabolites, through the vascular systems of their plant hosts, primarily trees. As a result of intense mistletoe infection, the hosts suffer various growth and physiological detriments, which often lead to tree mortality. Because of their easy dispersal and widespread tropism, mistletoes have become serious pests for commercial fruit and timber plantations. A variety of physical and chemical treatment methods, along with silvicultural practices, have shaped conventional mistletoe management. Others, however, have either failed to circumvent the growing range and tropism of these parasitic plants or present significant environmental and public health risks. A biocontrol approach that could sidestep these issues has never achieved full proof of concept in real-field applications. Our review discusses the downsides of conventional mistletoe control techniques and explores the possibilities of biotechnological approaches using biocontrol agents and transgenic technologies. It is possible that smart management options will pave the way for technologically advanced solutions to mitigate mistletoes that are yet to be exploited.
... Host specialization is commonly found within many Curculionidae subfamilies (Anderson, 1993;Peguero et al., 2017) and several species within the subfamily Conoderinae (Hespenheide & LaPierre, 2006;Weng et al., 2007;Vanin & Guerra, 2012). The Conoderinae Schönherr, 1833 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) is a worldwide diverse group of weevils (Alonso-Zarazaga & Lyal, 1999;Prena et al., 2014;Anzaldo, 2017) that comprises wood or stem borer species associated with living or dead plants (Anzaldo, 2017 and references therein). ...
... Moreover, information about their life cycle, immature stages, and the identity of its host plants are restricted to few specific groups (e.g. Hespenheide, 1980Hespenheide, , 1987Hespenheide & LaPierre, 2006;Weng et al., 2007;Vanin & Guerra, 2012;Fassbender et al., 2014), and species of agricultural importance (Böving, 1926;Rogers & Serda, 1982;Hespenheide, 2005;Martínez et al., 2016). The knowledge gaps related to the identity of the host plant used by the immatures have been attributed to sampling biases, which have been historically performed only for adult insects using traps or by active collection. ...
Article
1. The reproduction of specialised endophagous insects relies on a fine temporal synchronization between the insect and its host plant phenology. 2. Since the spatial distribution and local prevalence of specialised insects depend on both environmental conditions and biotic interactions, in this study, we assessed whether the life cycle of the predispersal seed feeding weevil, Hemicolpus abdominalis (Curculionidae), is synchronised with the reproductive phenology of its host plant, Tocoyena formosa (Rubiaceae) in the Brazilian Cerrado. Following an ecological niche modelling approach, we also tested whether the predicted distribution of this specialised weevil matches that of its host plant. 3. We observed a tight synchronization between the weevil reproduction and its host plant reproductive phenology. After emergence from the fruits, adult weevils enter in reproductive diapause, with reproductive development resuming in the next reproductive season, which indicates the univoltism of this species. 4. There was a high spatial congruence in the distribution of H. abdominalis and its host plant. Since the reproduction of H. abdominalis is synchronised with the host plant phenology, temporal mismatches between the weevil life cycle, and plant reproduction may affect the long-term population prevalence of the insect. 5. The life cycle of the predispersal seed feeding weevil, H. abdominalis, depends on a close match with the host plant reproductive phenology, whose fruit production is entirely dependent on long-tongued hawkmoth pollinators. Hence, we highlight the importance of both biotic and abiotic conditions in shaping the distribution range of a specialised endophagous insect.
... The appearance of this weevil-fly pairing, for example, is considerably different from another frequent pattern within the red-eyed fly complex, i.e. an appearance resembling many sarcophagid flies, with predominantly grey and black stripes and sometimes a red posterior abdominal spot (e.g. Fig. 2D; Vanin & Guerra, 2012;Guerra, 2019). Hespenheide (1973) reported several fly species at a specific locality that potentially serve as models for some of the beetle species considered to be red-eyed fly mimics. ...
... Hespenheide (1973) discussed other weevils (Curculionidae: Baridinae Schoenherr, 1836) with a similar pattern that are 'sluggish' in their movements, considering this as a type of Batesian mimicry, because they do not also share the fast-flying qualities of the flies they resemble but are potentially benefitting from the same protection against predation. Although many species of tropical Conoderinae are fast-flying, making the system presumably Müllerian for these species, at least one conoderine species ascribed to this mimicry complex is reported to be slow and first to resort to thanatosis ('playing dead') rather than flying away (Vanin & Guerra, 2012;Guerra, 2019). ...
Article
Full-text available
The Conoderinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are one of the most distinctive Neotropical weevil groups in behaviour and appearance, attracting numerous hypotheses regarding the evolution and function of widespread apparent mimetic convergence. Conoderines have a poorly documented natural history, and a large fraction of the diversity of the group remains undescribed, presenting challenges to their study. In this analysis, 128 species of conoderine weevils previously or herein hypothesized to belong to three mimicry complexes are analysed in the first quantitative test of conoderine mimicry. Fifteen continuous and categorical characters describing the size, shape and coloration of these weevils were analysed using non-metric multidimensional scaling while statistically testing the resulting clusters in ordination space. Three similar, putatively mimetic complexes are recognized: (1) the 'red-eyed fly' complex of weevils, which are hypothesized to be evasively mimetic on various species of red-eyed flies; (2) the 'striped/ spotted' complex, composed of weevils with a brightly coloured pronotum and red to white elytral stripes or spots; and (3) the 'shiny blue' complex of species with iridescent blue to blue-green pronotal scales. Each of these groups covers a wide geographical distribution and has evolved independently in multiple genera, although the red-eyed fly complex appears to be both the most species rich and widely distributed phylogenetically. Groupings were found to be statistically significant, although variation within each group suggests that the similarity in appearance of species in each group could be attributable to independent convergence on different, but phenotypically similar, models. Several avenues for future research on conoderine mimicry are discussed. ADDITIONAL KEYWORDS: convergent evolution-evasive mimicry-Lechriopini-Zygopini.
... Particularly, the visual mimicry of some Papilionidae butterflies to the toxic Heliconius inspired the conceptualization of Batesian mimicry (Bates 1862), while the similarity between toxic Nymphalidae butterflies led to the proposal of Müllerian mimicry (Müller 1879). However, mimicry systems are not limited to toxic species, such as the case of Sarcophagidae flies that serve as models for some Conoderinae weevils, presumably associated with the costs of capturing such elusive prey (Vanin and Guerra 2012;Guerra et al. 2024). Other notable examples of visual mimicry are those of Arctiini moths and Syrphidae hover flies, which greatly resemble Vespidae wasps (Penney et al. 2014;Boppré et al. 2017). ...
Article
ENGLISH: In mimicry, a species signals a fitness cost or benefit to a receiver by resemblance to another model species. While ants are among the most frequent models, few cases of ant mimicry are known in stink bugs (Pentatomidae). Here, using a geometric morphometric analysis, we propose that Rio nymphs might mimic Cephalotes ants. ESPAÑOL: En el mimetismo, una especie señala un costo o beneficio en la aptitud para un receptor por su parecido con otra especie modelo. Aunque las hormigas son uno de los modelos más frecuentes, se conocen pocos casos de mimetismo de hormigas en chinches apestosas (Pentatomidae). Aquí, mediante un análisis de morfometría geométrica, proponemos que las ninfas de Rio podrían imitar hormigas Cephalotes.
... Within the Conoderinae, the supertribe Conoderitae (sensu Prena et al. 2014) can be easily recognized, with few exceptions, by their large eyes occupying most of the head surface, a rostral canal at least on the prosternum, and antenna with seven articles (Heller 1895;Prena et al. 2014;Anzaldo 2017). The genera from North and Central America were recently reviewed based on their external morphological characters (Anzaldo 2017); however, little is known about the South American genera despite their high endemism and species richness (e.g., Hespenheide 2005;Vanin & Guerra 2012;Sanz-Veiga et al. 2017;Anzaldo & O'Brien 2019). ...
Article
The genus Hemicolpus Heller, 1895 (Curculionidae: Conoderinae) currently includes six species: H. cubicus (Lacordaire) (Brazil); H. heteromorphus Hustache (Brazil); H. abdominalis Hustache (Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay); H. costaricensis Hespenheide (Costa Rica); H. randiae Hespenheide (El Salvador and Mexico) and H. prenai Hespenheide (El Salvador and Mexico). The known species are predispersal seed predators whose larvae feed and develop within fruits of Rubiaceae. Species from Central America have been reared from the fruits of Randia L. (Rubiaceae). In contrast, the only host plant known for the South American species, H. abdominalis, is Tocoyena formosa (Cham. & Schltdl.) K. Schum. (Rubiaceae), a plant species widely distributed in the Cerrado biome, occurring from southeast to north and northeast of Brazil. Here, we describe a seventh species of Hemicolpus, H. maragatensis Sanz-Veiga, Savaris & Leivas, sp. nov., morphologically close to H. abdominalis, associated with fruits of Randia ferox (Cham. & Schltdl.) DC. in the south of Brazil. Furthermore, we designate a lectotype and provide a redescription of H. abdominalis, including additional characters to differentiate it from H. maragatensis. For both species, we provide morphological descriptions of external and internal characters, including male and female genitalia illustrations, distribution data, and notes on the biology and host plant. A barcode region of the mitochondrial DNA is also included for both species adding genetic information to the species characterization and differentiation. We also provide an identification key for the species of the genus.
... This is astonishing as hardly any groups of insects differ more strongly in their habitus than Formicidae and Curculionidae, except inasmuch as the two have geniculate antennae. Moreover, "weevil mimicry" is a phenomenon that is unknown, even though species of the curculionid Conoderinae mimic ants, bees, other beetles, or even flies (Vanin & guerra, 2012; see also Hespenheide, 1973). Mimicking phytophagous and obviously harmless weevils would likely yield no advantage, except for possibly suggesting a strongly sclerotized body surface. ...
Article
Structural features and life habits of described species of the extinct †Alienoptera are evaluated based on previously published studies on the group. Head structures and feedings habits are addressed, as are the locomotor organs, especially the wings and adhesive devices. Suggested pollen feeding habits and the possible role as pollinators are discussed, as well as hypothesized ant and wasp mimicry and myrmecophily. Species of †Alienoptera were likely predators, in the case of †Caputoraptor elegans Bai, Beutel et Wipfler, 2018 with a unique cephalo-prothoracic prey grasping mechanism. They were likely strong fliers with anatomical dipterism with functional hind wings. Wing joints protected by scale-like sclerotized fore wings probably allowed them to move very efficiently in dense foliage of trees or shrubs and to prey upon smaller insects. Ant mimicry, myrmecophily and “weevil mimicry” are rejected. †Meilia Vršanský et Wang, 2018 is a possible case of wasp mimicry but more evidence is required. Other suggested cases of mimicking wasps are unfounded.
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Calyptrate muscoids (Diptera: Schizophora) are globally distributed flies and among the most maneuverable of flying insects. A salient feature of many calyptrate species is their large red eyes. Given their abundance and evasiveness, it has been postulated that birds might learn to associate the red eye trait with difficulty of capture, and subsequently avoid this prey type. This hypothesis is strengthened by the observation that many arthropods, from spiders to weevils, appear to have evolved a resemblance to calyptrates, including their prominent red eyes. To test the hypothesis directly we pinned 1000 artificial beetles with grey and red eyes onto trees over three separate transects and inspected them 26 days later. As predicted, there was over twice the predation on grey-eyed beetles than red-eyed beetles. The implications of this result are discussed, including how one could quantify the ecological and phylogenetic association between a signaller’s red eyes and its evasiveness.
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A great proportion of biodiversity is accounted for by organisms, particularly insects, intimately associated with plants. Knowing whether ecological or phylogenetic factors chiefly influence the evolution of host plant associations is essential to understanding speciation in, and therefore factors influencing diversity of, phytophagous insects. Through examination of known host plant associations in Curculioninae and comparison with available reconstructed phylogenetic relationships of certain taxa of Curculioninae, little, if any, evidence for cospeciation (parallel cladogenesis) is found. In curculionine taxa where sufficient host plant and/or phylogenetic data are available, weevil species are narrowly to broadly oligophagous; a number of related weevil species are associated with a single host plant species; many weevil genera have host plant ranges spanning distantly related plant taxa; and available weevil reconstructed phylogenies are not concordant with plant relationships. Rather, for at least some weevil taxa, evolution appears to be mediated by one or more of a variety of strictly ecological factors, particularly habitat associations. General applications of these results include biological control, pollination biology, conservation and restoration biology, and use of patterns in insect – host plant associations to resolve problems in plant classification.
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Two species in the weevil subfamily Conoderinae are described from Cocos Island, Costa Rica. The more common Hoplocopturus sherrywernerorum, new species, is sexually dimorphic and has a Lechriops-like pattern of setae similar to the Central American H. ochreicollis Champion, although it does not seem closely related to any mainland species. Copturomimus hoguei, new species, is a larger species with elytral costae similar to the widespread Central American C. octocostatus Champion.
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The New World weevil fauna of the parasitic plant family Viscaceae is comprised of 24 species in eight genera representing four tribes of Curculioninae. Genera represented (numbers of species and tribal placement in parentheses) are as follows; Anthonomus (3), Smicraulax (3) and Cionomimus (9) (Anthonomini), Myrmex (1) (Otidocephalini), Hohonus (2) (Cryptorhynchini), and Cylindrocopturinus (4), Turcopus (1) and Coturpus (1) (Zygopini). Smicraulax arizonicus Sleeper and S. tuberculatus Dietz are reported from Mexico; S. piercei is recorded from Chiapas, Mexico. Three new species of Anthonomus, A. brachyrhinus, A. guerreroensis and A. phoradendrae are described from Mexico. Five new species of Cionomimus, C. burkei (Mexico), C. clarki (Venezuela), C. grossus (Mexico), C. obrieni (Mexico) and C. woodi (Mexico) are described. A key to species of adults of Cionomimus species is presented. Otidocephalus algerti Sleeper is considered a new junior synonym of Myrmex arizonicus (Schaeffer). Sternocoelus sturio Arrow is transferred to Hohonus as H. sturio (Arrow) n. comb. The genus Cylindrocopturinus Sleeper, and C. pictus (Schaeffer) and C. hainesi Hespenheide are redescribed and 2 new species of Cylindrocopturinus, C. catherineae and C. vanessae, are described from Mexico. Cylindrocopturinus hainesi is reported from Honduras. A key to species of adults of Cylindrocopturinus is presented. Turcopus new genus is proposed with one included species, T. viscivorus new species, described from Guatemala and Guerrero, Mexico. Coturpus new genus is proposed with one included species, C. arcuatus new species, described from Guerrero, Mexico. Phylogenetic relationships of most curculionid lineages associated with Viscaceae are inadequately resolved. Only for Myrmex arizonicus and Cylindrocopturinus-Coturpus-Turcopus are there sufficient data to weigh competing hypotheses about evolution of host plant associations. In both instances close relatives of the weevil lineages are associated with plants (e.g. Quercus, Ulmus) which serve as mistletoe hosts. No Curculioninae related to those on mistletoes are known from Santatales other than Viscaceae but this could be the result of inadequate sampling.
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Nine new species are described in the formerly monotypic genus Pseudolechriops Champion: P. longinoi, new species; P. dimorpha, new species; P. howdenorum, new species; P. davidsonae, new species; P. klopferi, new species; P. janeae, new species; P. alleni, new species; P. wrightae, new species; P. coleyae, new species. These species can be separated into two groups, the megacephala and coleyae groups. The species are illustrated and a key is provided. Males of some species have more or less strikingly modified rostra and possess other secondary sexual characters that suggest courtship behavior, or at least sexual recognition, is an important selective factor. Eight species have been reared from leaf petioles of members of the plant genus Cecropia (Cecropiaceae), and the others have been collected on Cecropia as adults. Pseudolechriops use either live or dead petioles as a reproductive and developmental substrate, and the biology of each group of species is generally described. Some Pseudolechriops species may mimic the Azteca ants (Formicidae: Dolichoderinae) that are mutualists in most Cecropia species.
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Males in many species invest substantially in structures that are used in combat with rivals over access to females. These weapons can attain extreme proportions and have diversified in form repeatedly. I review empirical literature on the function and evolution of sexually selected weapons to clarify important unanswered questions for future research. Despite their many shapes and sizes, and the multitude of habitats within which they function, animal weapons share many properties: They evolve when males are able to defend spatially restricted critical resources, they are typically the most variable morphological structures of these species, and this variation honestly reflects among-individual differences in body size or quality. What is not clear is how, or why, these weapons diverge in form. The potential for male competition to drive rapid divergence in weapon morphology remains one of the most exciting and understudied topics in sexual selection research today.
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Alonso-Zarazaga, Miguel A., Christopher, Lyal, H. C. (2002): Addenda and corrigenda to ‘ A World Catalogue of Families and Genera of Curculionoidea (Insecta: Coleoptera) ’. Zootaxa 63: 1-37
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Omissions from and corrections to Alonso-Zarazaga & Lyal (1999) and Alonso-Zarazaga & Lyal (2002) are given. The following valid taxon described before 2000 was absent and is now included: Oedeuops Zhang, 1989 (fossil) in Attelabidae. A new replacement name is proposed in Brachyceridae: Brotheusini Alonso-Zarazaga and Lyal, nom. nov., for Brotheini Marshall, 1907, non Simon, 1879 (Scorpiones). New synonymies are: Mecocerini Lacordaire 1866 (= Cappadocini Alonso-Zarazaga & Lyal, 1999, syn. nov.) and Phloeophilus Schoenherr, 1833 (= Cappadox Alonso-Zarazaga & Lyal, 1999, syn. nov. = Platynorhynchus Schoenherr, 1839, syn. nov.) in Anthribidae; Cnemoxys Marshall, 1956 (= Lavabrenymus Hoffmann, 1966, syn. nov.) in Curculionidae Conoderinae. Omitted synonymies are: Otiorhynchus (Thalycrynchus) Reitter, 1912 (= Panaphilis Dejean, 1821) (removed from synonymy with Otiorhynchus s. str) and Brachysomus Schoenherr, 1823 (= Pseudoptochus Formanek, 1905) in Curculionidae Entiminae. A new combination is: Cnemoxys armatus (Hoffmann, 1966) comb. nov. from Lavabrenymus Hoffmann, 1966. New placements are: Alloschema Jordan, 1928 to Zygaenodini (from Cappadocini) (Anthribidae). Diastatotropis Lacordaire, 1866, Systellorhynchus Blanchard, 1849 and Perroudius Holloway, 1982 to Anthribinae incertae sedis (from Cappadocini) (Anthribidae). Eczesaris Pascoe, 1859 and Ethneca Pascoe, 1860 to Mecocerini (from Cappadocini) (Anthribidae). Codmius Faust, 1895 to Conoderinae Campyloscelini Corynemerina (from Baridinae Madarini Tonesiina) (Curculionidae). The subgenera Acercomecus Reitter, 1903, Gnathomecus Reitter, 1903 and Hypesamus Reitter, 1903 are wrongly listed under Esamus Chevrolat, 1880 and should be transferred to be under Megamecus Reitter, 1903.
Article
The phenology, general characteristics, and mortality factors acting upon the weevil Collabismus clitellae Boheman in a population of Solanum lycocarpum St. Hil. (Solanaceae) were investigated in southeastern Brazil, as well as its distribution and impact on the host plants. Mating and oviposition of the weevils were observed in the beginning of the summer, with larval development until the autumn and emergence in spring. Most galls were found toward the base on plants 0.9-1.2 m high, a distribution perhaps the result of physiological differences between plants of different height. Natural enemies also may influence this pattern; logistic regressions showed that greater gall size and increased height above the ground increased mortality caused by the woodpecker Colaptes campestris (Vieillot). Larger galls also were more frequently attacked by the fungus Penicillium sp. Gall attack rates were correlated with S. lycocarpum stem mortality (43.4% of plants analyzed), because galls could act as nutrient sinks or favor the breaking of stems. The possible effect of C. clitellae on the population dynamics of S. lycocarpum is discussed.