Weevil Species Research Articles

Potential of Bursera graveolens essential oil for controlling bean weevil infestations: Toxicity, repellence, and action targets

Plant essential oils are promising tools for the management of insect infestations in stored beans. However, how these biorational products exert their insecticidal actions remains unknow. Here, we evaluated the insecticidal and repellent potential of Bursera graveolens essential oil against the bean weevil species Acanthoscelides obtectus and Zabrotes subfasciatus. By using chemical and in silico analyses, we evaluated the molecular interactions of the essential oil constituents with two potential physiological targets in stored beans: acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymes and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Our results revealed limonene (44%), phellandrene (24%), cymene (13%), and menthofuran (11%) as the major constituents of the essential oil. Both bean weevil species were similarly killed by the fumigant essential oil. However, while Z. subfasciatus individuals were repelled only at high essential oil concentrations (LC95 = 156 μL/L), the essential oil LC15 (44 μL/L) was enough to repel A. obtectus individuals. Our computational predictions revealed that all essential oil constituents formed stable molecular interactions (binding affinity < −5.5 kcal/mol) with the binding sites of acetylcholinesterase and TRP channels, suggesting the involvement of these targets in the essential oil actions. Altogether, our findings show that B. graveolens essential oil may exert its insecticidal actions by disrupting the functions of AChE and TRP channels and that it may be used as an alternative tool for the control of bean weevils

A new jewel from the crown jewel of the South – Lake Holon: Eupyrgops almae sp. nov. (Cagas, C.L.A. &amp;Mohagan, D.P., 2023) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Celeuthitini) from Mt. Melibengoy, Sitio Salacafe, T’boli, South Cotabato, Mindanao, Philippines

A new species of weevil under the genus Eupyrgops (Berg, 1898) of the family Curculionidae is discovered on the Salacafe Trail going to Lake Holon, Mt. Melibengoy, T’boli, South Cotabato, Philippines. The genus Eupyrgops is poorly known in the Philippines. There are only 11 species recorded. However, these species were only recorded on Luzon Island. Thus, making this new species a new and lone record in Mindanao, would update the list to 12 species. The new species was collected in an opportunistic manner last May 16-18, 2022. The new species Eupyrgops almae sp. nov. has a resemblance with Eupyrgops mitorajii (Alessandro Bramanti, Andrea Bramanti and Rukmane Barbale, 2020) from Luzon. This single (female holotype) specimen was deposited at the zoology section of the CMU – University Museum as a repository of the vertebrate and invertebrate fauna of Mindanao.

Fauna and biotopic distribution of weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea) of the Zhiguli State Nature Reserve, Russia

Curculionoidea (hereinafter – weevils) comprises the largest group of phytophagous beetles. They are an integral component of terrestrial and freshwater communities and are associated with a wide range of plants. Therefore, weevils can serve as one of the model taxa for assessing the diversity and specificity of biota, including those in Protected Areas of various ranks. This article is based on the results of original studies (in 2011, 2013, 2014, 2021) and a critical review of literature sources. The species composition was identified, and the characteristics of the weevil fauna of the Zhiguli State Nature Reserve (Samara Region, Russia) was carried out. The weevil fauna of the Zhiguli State Nature Reserve is characterised by a very high species richness and considerable originality. As a result of research, 355 species from five families of this group were identified. Of these, 66 species were recorded for the first time in the Zhiguli State Nature Reserve, including 52 species that were recorded for the first time in the fauna of the Samara Region. In terms of the number of species, the studied fauna considerably exceeds similar faunas of Protected Areas in the forest-steppe of the Southern Urals and is twice as rich as the faunas of Protected Areas of the southern steppe in the Orenburg Region. It is characterised by a complex composition, which is caused by sympatry of species of European, Siberian and Kazakh-Turanian faunas (including narrow endemics of the River Volga Region and a heterogeneous group of relicts), and steppe, nemoral and boreal forms in the study area. In the Zhiguli State Nature Reserve, we distinguished weevil complexes of forb-feather-grass steppes (120 species) and petrophytic steppes (113 species), broad-leaved (117 species) and pine (97 species) forests, floodplain and islands of the River Volga (92 species), as well as ruderal habitats (126 species). Trophically specialised weevil species of the Zhiguli State Nature Reserve are associated with plants from 34 families. The largest number of weevil species were found on Fabaceae (66 species), Asteraceae (39 species) and Brassicaceae (27 species). In general, the weevil fauna of the Zhiguli State Nature Reserve can be considered as a reference for the forest-steppe of the Volga Upland, which confirms its great importance for the preservation of the original natural ecosystems of the Middle Volga Region.

Modelling the influence of prey switching and optimal foraging on the control of banana weevil Cosmopolites Sordidus(Germar)

A mathematical model for the control of the banana weevil Cosmopolites Sordidus (Germar) by predatory ant species is formulated and analyzed. The model incorporates predator switching to a non-dynamic alternative food source, optimal foraging theory and self regulation in both the banana weevil and predatory-ant species! Using Lyapunov's first method, the local stability of the equilibria is established. Furthermore, conditions for the existence of the interior equilibrium are derived and its global stability established by the Bendixson--Dulac criterion with periodic orbits ruled out by the Poincare--Bendixson theorem. It is determined that intrinsic growth rates and carrying capacities rather than handling time and nutritional value have significant impact on the banana weevils-- predatory ant interaction. Numerical simulations confirm the theoretical results.

The influence of natural climatic conditions on the species diversity of insects in the conditions of the southern forest-steppe zone of Chelyabinsk region

The influence of natural climatic conditions on the species diversity of insects in the cereal-grass biocenosis on the territory of peasant farm “Markovo-1” located in the southern forest-steppe zone of Chelyabinsk region has been studied. During the survey of entomofauna on the territory of peasant farm “Markovo-1” 19 herpetobiont species have been identified in the biocenosis which are represented by 9 families. 51 species of hortobionts belonging to 8 orders and 25 families were identified. Entomofauna was represented by the following orders: Dragonflies (Odonata), Coleopterans (Coleoptera), Dipterans (Diptera), true Hemipterans or bugs (Hemiptera), Neuropterans (Neuroptera), Lepidopterans (Lepidoptera), Orthopterans (Orthoptera), Hymenopterans (Hymenoptera). 421 herpetobionts and 482 hortobionts were identified in the cereal-grass biocenosis. Insects of the order Coleoptera belonged to 16 families and 32 species. The largest number of species were the representatives of the family of Ground beetles (Carabidae) and Lamellate beetles (Scarabaeidae) (5-6 species). The number of other families of this order was not so significant (1-3 species). Insects of the Lepidoptera order were represented by 6 families and 15 species. During the phytosanitary control of the studied agrocenosis the economic thresholds of insect harmfulness were determined. According to the results of the survey of the territory of the farm several species of insect pests the representatives of different orders and families true Hemipterans or Bugs (Hemiptera) the family of shield Bugs (Pentatomidae), the species of Corn Bugs (Eurygaster integriceps) were found from the discovered herpetobionts and hortobionts. Order Lepidoptera, family - Scoops (Noctuidae), species - Winter Scoops (Agrotis segetum Den.et Schiff.); family - Fireflies (Pyralidae), species - Meadow Moth (Pyralidae); family of Weevils (Curculionidae), beetroot Weevil Species (Bothynoderes punctiventris G.). A species Click Beetle (Agriotes sputator L.) belonging to the family of Click Beetles (Elateridae) is found only once.

Miarus Schoenherr and Cleopomiarus Pierce (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Species Associated with Campanula L. (Campanulaceae) Plants in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey

The investigation of Campanula L. (Campanulaceae) plants in the eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey revealed three new Mecinini weevil species/host plant associations: Miarus ajugae (Herbst, 1795) with Campanula lactiflora Bieb., Cleopomiarus distinctus (Boheman, 1845) with Campanula alliariiafolia Willd. and Campanula rapunculoides L., and Cleopomiarus caucasicus Caldara and Legalov, 2016 with Campanula trachelium L. Of these weevil species, M. ajugae and C. caucasicus are new records for the fauna of Turkey. All three weevil species deposit their eggs in the ovary of the flowers and larvae feed on young seeds, where they pupate when mature.

A New Species of Decuanellus Osella (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae: Lymantini) from Maricao State Forest, Puerto Rico

A new species of Decuanellus Osella is described from the insular serpentine soil forests of Maricao State Forest, Puerto Rico. Decuanellus coronarostris Rodriguez Ruiz and Van Dam, new species, is a new Caribbean endemic species of eyeless weevil, which was collected from a leaf litter survey of Maricao State Forest (El Bosque Estatal de Maricao) during 2017. This species differs from other Decuanellus species by its lack of tubercles on the distal part of the elytra and by a peculiar crown-shaped projection on its rostrum from which the species name is derived. A revised key to Decuanellus is presented.

NEW RECORDS OF CERCERIS TUBERCULATA (VILLERS, 1787) (HYMENOPTERA: CRABRONIDAE) FROM UKRAINE, WITH NOTES ON ITS PARASITOIDS AND PREY

Present paper reports observations on the digger wasp Cerceris tuberculata (Villers, 1787) (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae), listed in Red Data Book of Ukraine, its parasitoids and prey. The observations revealed two parasitoids associated with this wasp: a cuckoo wasp Hedychrum virens Dahlbom, 1845 (Chrysididae) and velvet ant Nemka viduata viduata (Pallas, 1773) (Mutillidae). The host-parasitoid association of this velvet ant and C. tuberculata is provided for the first time. Four species of weevils were registered as a prey of C. tuberculata, three of them are given for the first time herein. New records of the species from Zaporizhzhya and Kherson Regions are provided; the species is reported from Zaporizhzhia Region for the first time.

Spatial Distribution of Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Rice.

Rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a destructive insect pest of rice in the United States. The pruning of rice roots by L. oryzophilus larvae can cause up to 25% yield loss. Currently, insecticidal seed treatments are used in the Louisiana rice industry as a pre-emptive means of controlling this weevil species. Our objective was to gain a better understanding of the spatial distribution of L. oryzophilus in Louisiana rice fields. Thirteen untreated commercial rice fields in Louisiana were mapped using GPS software, and surveyed for L. oryzophilus larvae over two years (2017 and 2018). An ANOVA, spatial interpolation, hotspot analysis, and multiple linear regression were used to determine where populations of L. oryzophilus were concentrated and whether distributions of the pest were related to edge effects. The results showed that L. oryzophilus larvae are typically aggregated along the edges of rice fields, with populations decreasing toward the center of rice fields. Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus densities were 3.3- and 2.2- fold greater along field edges than in field centers in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Hotspot spatial analysis revealed 59% and 32% of low-density clusters occurred at or near field centers, respectively. Multiple linear regression revealed larval densities decline with increasing distance from overwintering sites and alternative habitats (such as tree lines and levees containing bunch grasses and other alternative noncrop plants). These results suggest potential for insecticidal seed treatments to be applied selectively within rice fields to control this pest.

The life history, distribution and morphological updates of horned poppy feeder Acentrus histrio (Schoenherr, 1837) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Curculioninae)

The augmented morphological description of the weevil species Acentrus histrio (Schoenherr, 1837) is provided and supplied with photographs of the terminalia and genitalia of both sexes. Female genitalia are described for the first time. Glaucium grandiflorum Boiss. &amp; A. Huett and Glaucium corniculatum (L.) Rudolph (Papaveraceae) are reported as the host plants in Turkey. The adults emerge from the soil in very early spring, locate the host plant, feed on young leaves and buds, mate on the host plant, and females deposit eggs inside the seed capsules. The larvae feed with seeds, mature larvae leave capsules entering soil to pupate, and adults of the new generation hibernate in the soil at the root base of the host plant. This species is univoltine and produced one generation annually in eastern Turkey. Acentrus histrio is newly recorded for Azerbaijan, and A. boroveci Košťál, 2014, for Tajikistan.

ФАУНА И БИОТОПИЧЕСКОЕ РАСПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ ДОЛГОНОСИКООБРАЗНЫХ ЖУКОВ (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONOIDEA) УЧАСТКА «ТАЛОВСКАЯ СТЕПЬ» ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОГО ПРИРОДНОГО ЗАПОВЕДНИКА «ОРЕНБУРГСКИЙ»

Based on research results 2018-2020 the species composition was established and the analysis of the fauna of weevils (Curculionoidea) of the Talovskaya steppe site of the Orenburg natural reserve was carried out. The research area is located in the very south-west of the Orenburg region near the border with Kazakhstan, in the subzone of the southern steppes of the East of the Russian Plain. 199 species of weevils from 4 families were identified (27 % of the fauna of the Orenburg region). Of these, 9 species are first reported for the fauna of the Orenburg Province. The characteristic features of the weevil fauna of the Talovskaya steppe are: a high proportion of Central Palaearctic species (35 %) (with an insignificant participation of Western Palaearctic forms); a sharp predominance of species of the subboreal complex (steppe and desert-steppe) (58 %) (with a very small number of forest species) and a noticeable proportion of species of the halophilic complex. The data presented in the article allow us to consider the fauna of the Talovskaya steppe as a typical southern steppe fauna. It is characterized by a fairly high species richness and the presence of a number of rare species. This is confirmed by the importance of the protected area for the preservation of the peculiar natural complexes of the southwestern outskirts of Obshchy Syrt.

The origin of an extreme case of sister‐species sympatry in a palm‐pollinator mutualistic system

AbstractAimMutualistic systems involving plants and brood pollinators show intriguing cases where a single plant is pollinated by several closely related sympatric species. This study aims at identifying the mechanisms involved in such an extreme case, where 10 sympatric weevil species are only associated with African oil palm inflorescences. We assessed the patterns and timing of speciation of this peculiar assemblage to explore the main drivers of its diversification.LocationTropical Africa.TaxonThe African oil palm Elaeis guineensis Jacquin (Arecaceae, Cocoseae), weevil genera Elaeidobius Kuschel and Prosoestus Faust (Curculionidae, Derelomini).MethodsWe first reassessed the status of the weevil species assemblage associated with the African oil palm based on a range of molecular species delimitation analyses. Second, we reconstructed a dated molecular phylogeny using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood and carried out historical biogeographical analyses accounting for the main biogeographical barriers in tropical Africa.ResultsOur analyses generally confirm the validity of the species associated with the African oil palm and indicate that they form a monophyletic group. Dating analyses indicate that they originated about 7–8 million years ago (Mya) and that most speciation events occurred during the Pliocene and Pleistocene. Historical biogeography analyses reveal that one geographical barrier played a bigger role during their diversification. Age estimates suggest that extant weevil species remained in sympatry along the range of their host during the last 0.2 Mya.Main conclusionsThis case represents a remarkable example of a speciose mutualistic monophyletic insect assemblage. Our results indicate that past climatic oscillations in Western and Central Africa – where cycles of range contractions and expansions of the host drove the divergence of the weevils in allopatry – and the predominant role of a mountain range were instrumental in the emergence of the sympatric assemblage.

FAUNA AND BIOTOPIC DISTRIBUTION OF WEEVILS (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONOIDEA) OF THE TALOVSKAYA STEPPE SITE OF THE ORENBURG STATE NATURE RESERVE

Based on research results 2018-2020 the species composition was established and the analysis of the fauna of weevils (Curculionoidea) of the Talovskaya steppe site of the Orenburg natural reserve was carried out. The research area is located in the very south-west of the Orenburg region near the border with Kazakhstan, in the subzone of the southern steppes of the East of the Russian Plain. 199 species of weevils from 4 families were identified (27 % of the fauna of the Orenburg region). Of these, 9 species are first reported for the fauna of the Orenburg Province. The characteristic features of the weevil fauna of the Talovskaya steppe are: a high proportion of Central Palaearctic species (35 %) (with an insignificant participation of Western Palaearctic forms); a sharp predominance of species of the subboreal complex (steppe and desert-steppe) (58 %) (with a very small number of forest species) and a noticeable proportion of species of the halophilic complex. The data presented in the article allow us to consider the fauna of the Talovskaya steppe as a typical southern steppe fauna. It is characterized by a fairly high species richness and the presence of a number of rare species. This is confirmed by the importance of the protected area for the preservation of the peculiar natural complexes of the southwestern outskirts of Obshchy Syrt.

Aggregation Pheromones of Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): Advances in the Identification and Potential Uses in Semiochemical-Based Pest Management Strategies.

With approximately 83,000 species described, Curculionidae is the largest family of beetles, comprising more than 80% of all weevil species worldwide. Many species of Curculionidae attack a wide range of native and orchards crops, as well as globally important stored products such as grains, flour, and seeds, being responsible for significant environmental and economic losses. This work provides an overview of the research in the identification of aggregation pheromones of Curculionidae, andtheir potential contributions to the development of semiochemical-based pest management strategies. The synergistic effect of the host plant volatiles in the attractiveness of weevil pheromones is also briefly reported, demonstrating the important role of these additional attractants in the chemical communication of curculionids.

Nature׳s gifts to medicine: The metabolic effects of extracts from cocoons of Larinus hedenborgi (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and their host plant Echinops cephalotes (Asteraceae) in diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTrehala manna (TM), the edible cocoons of several weevil species, e.g. Larinus hedenborgi Boheman, 1845 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and their host plant, i.e. Echinops cephalotes DC. (EC) (Asteraceae), are traditionally used to treat pain, inflammation, infectious diseases, as well as respiratory, renal, reproductive and metabolic disorders.Aim of the study: This study investigated the metabolic effects of aqueous extracts from TM and EC on diabetic male Wistar albino rats. Materials and methodsAnimals were orally gavaged with the extracts (75, 150, and 300 mg/kg), normal saline, and glibenclamide (Glbn), for 28 days. The serum levels of glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and hepatic enzymes, plus the body weight of rats were measured at the beginning and the end of study. The proximate composition of the extracts was determined, additionally. The antioxidant and cytotoxic potency of the extracts were evaluated by radical scavenging/ferric reducing and viability assays, respectively. ResultsTreatment of diabetic rats with the extracts significantly altered metabolic biomarkers compared with diabetic, control and Glbn-treated groups, but not in a dose-dependent manner. However, the antihyperglycemic effects of TM75/EC300, the antiobesity effects of EC150, and the hepatoprotective effects of TM150/EC150 were even stronger than those of Glbn. TM/EC-treated groups represented normal cell architecture in the pancreatic and renal tissues. Nutrient analysis displayed that TM is rich in sugar and magnesium, whereas EC is abundant in protein, sodium, potassium, and calcium. The extracts showed no antioxidant and cytotoxic effects, as compared to the control groups. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that active ingredients in the extracts evaluated are responsible for the metabolic effects by lowering blood sugar and restoring the damaged islets of Langerhans. The close trophic relationship of the TM-producing beetle with the host thistle justifies the overlaps of the bioactivity of the TM and EC extracts.

Characterizing Billbug (Sphenophorus spp.) Seasonal Biology Using DNA Barcodes and a Simple Morphometric Analysis.

Simple SummaryBillbugs (Sphenophorus spp.) are a group of grass-feeding weevils considered to be one of the most important and widespread insect pests of turfgrass. However, our limited understanding of regional variation in billbug species composition and inability to identify the damaging larval stage to species level, has hindered our ability to resolve the seasonal biology of many billbug species and constrained development of effective management approaches. In this study, we developed a robust DNA barcoding approach for identification of morphologically cryptic billbug larvae. Using this molecular tool combined with larval head capsule measurements we characterized regional variation in billbug species and developed larval phenology charts. Our approach provides researchers with the molecular tools necessary to fill critical gaps in our understanding of billbug seasonal biology and will facilitate the development of improved turfgrass pest management programs.Billbugs (Sphenophorus spp.) are a complex of grass-feeding weevil species that reduce the aesthetic and functional qualities of turfgrass. Effective billbug monitoring and management programs rely on a clear understanding of their seasonal biology. However, our limited understanding of regional variation in the species compositions and seasonal biology of billbugs, stemming primarily from our inability to identify the damaging larval stage to species level, has hindered efforts to articulate efficient IPM strategies to growers. We used a combination of DNA barcoding methods and morphometric measures to begin filling critical gaps in our understanding of the seasonal biology of the billbug species complex across a broad geographic range. First, we developed a DNA barcoding reference library using cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) sequences from morphologically identified adult billbugs collected across Indiana, Missouri, Utah and Arizona. Next, we used our reference library for comparison and identification of unknown larval specimens collected across the growing season in Utah and Indiana. Finally, we combined our DNA barcoding approach with larval head capsule diameter, a proxy for developmental instar, to develop larval phenology charts. Adult COI sequences varied among billbug species, but variation was not influenced by geography, indicating that this locus alone was useful for resolving larval species identity. Overlaid with head capsule diameter data from specimens collected across the growing season, a better visualization of billbug species composition and seasonal biology emerged. This approach will provide researchers with the tools necessary to fill critical gaps in our understanding of billbug biology and facilitate the development of turfgrass pest management programs.

Fusarium casha sp. nov. and F. curculicola sp. nov. in the Fusarium fujikuroi Species Complex Isolated from Amaranthuscruentus and Three Weevil Species in South Africa

Trials are currently being conducted in South Africa to establish Amaranthus cruentus as a new pseudocereal crop. During recent surveys, Fusarium species were associated with weevil damage in A. cruentus fields. Preliminary studies showed that some of these Fusarium species grouped into two distinct clades within the F. fujikuroi species complex. The aim of this study was to characterize these isolates based on the morphology and phylogeny of the translation elongation factor 1α (TEF1α) gene region, ß-tubulin 2 (ßT) gene region and RNA polymerase II subunit (RPB2), and to determine if these isolates are pathogenic to A. cruentus. Phylogenetic and morphological studies showed that these two clades represent two novel species described here as F. casha and F. curculicola. Both species were shown to have the potential to be pathogenic to A. cruentus during routine greenhouse inoculation tests. While isolations indicate a possible association between these two species and weevils, further research is needed to understand this association and the role of weevils in disease development involving F. casha and F. curculicola in A. cruentus.

Timing Is Everything. Temporal and Spatial Niche Segregation in Curculio spp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Associated with Oak Trees.

Simple SummaryAcorn weevils from the genus Curculio (Curculionini) represent a group of species developing in fructifications of plants. In Poland, three different species of those beetles develop on the same host plant and use the same resources, which can lead to increased competition. We tested preferences of weevil females towards acorn size chosen for oviposition as well as reproduction time and other characteristics of their breeding behavior. The results clearly indicate that particular species prefer acorns of different masses and breeds in different periods corresponding to different stages of fruit growth. In other words, this enables weevils to pass each other during reproduction. Furthermore, one of the studied species varies distinctly also in terms of the number of laid eggs and the manner of locating them within the acorn tissues. Our observations support the hypothesis that niche partitioning among the species appears to be occurring when the resources—acorns, are limited. The work helps to understand how multi-species communities of insects cope in order to survive in a shared habitat.Oak seed predatory weevils occurring in Poland are prone to increased interspecific competition due to the limited number of Quercus species, compared to southern Europe, in which they can develop. Therefore, analyses on the preferences of three weevil species for acorn sizes chosen for reproduction, as well as on reproductive period duration, were performed. Cafeteria-type experiments were set for females of three species associated with one oak species. Females were allowed to choose and oviposit in acorns of different sizes and growth stages. Research revealed statistically significant differences between the masses of acorns chosen for oviposition by females of Curculio glandium (the biggest), C. pellitus (medium), and C. venosus (the smallest). Studied weevils also differed in terms of the beginning of the reproductive period, which corresponded with the increasing mass of growing acorns. Moreover, C. glandium was observed to be the only species to perform radial egg galleries and lay a considerably higher and varied number of eggs. The results support the hypothesis of a strategy aimed at reducing interspecific competition between Curculio spp. in terms of limited host plant species number.

New faunistic, ecological and morphological data on two semi-aquatic species of Arthrostenus Schoenherr, 1826 (Curculionidae: Brachycerinae, Erirhinini) from Aras River valley in Turkey

New data on faunistics, ecology and morphology of two weevil species collected from the semi-aquatic habitats in Aras River valley were obtained. Arthrostenus spadiceus Boheman, 1836 is recorded for the first time from Turkey. New data on species feeding and reproduction are provided and illustrated with digital images. Typha latifolia L. is reported for the first time as its host plant. Additionally, a single female of Arthrostenus fullo Boheman, 1836 has been captured with light trap in the same territory. The morphology of the terminalia segments and genitalia of these two species are described and illustrated for the first time.

A new tribe, genus and species of weevil, Rhamphophorus legalovii gen. et sp. nov., (Coleoptera, Nemonychidae, Rhamphophorini tribe nov.) in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber

A new tribe, genus and species of weevil, Rhamphophorus legalovii gen. et sp. nov., Rhamphophorini tribe nov. (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea; Nemonychidae: Cimberidinae) is described from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber of northern Myanmar. The new taxon is characterized by an elongate head, extremely long, curved rostrum, endodont mandibles, 11-segmented, laterally attached antennae, five separate truncate tarsomeres on all legs, an antennal cleaner on the apex of the profemur, a 1-2-2 tibial spur formula and paired carina extending the length of the elytra. The fossil provides us with previously unknown morphological features that existed on mid-Cretaceous weevils.