Robert S. Anderson. 1998. Weevils (Curculionoidea) in Smith, I.M., and G.G.E. Scudder, eds. Assessment of species diversity in the Montane Cordillera Ecozone. Burlington: Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network, 1998.

WEEVILS (CURCULIONOIDEA)

(excluding Scolytidae, Platopodidae)

Robert S. Anderson

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Bousquet (1991) records 894 species of Curculionoidea (including Scolytidae and Platypodidae) in Canada. Of all the provinces and territories, British Columbia has the greatest numbers of weevils with 423 species (including Scolytidae [134 species] and Platypodidae [1 species]) recorded from the province. In this report, 233 species of Curculionoidea (excluding Scolytidae and Platypodidae) are recorded from the Montane Cordillera ecozone.

Family Nemonychidae

Three genera and six species of Nemonychidae are recorded from the Montane Cordillera. Kuschel (1989) revised the North American fauna. Specimens of nemonychids are generally rare in collections as the adults are found very early in the season on freshly opened flowers of male Pinaceae, especially species in the genus Pinus, and are not often collected. Larvae feed on the pollen and the male flowers and when found are extremely abundant. All of the species are found in montane conifer forests.

Four of the species are western montane and two species are northern transcontinental/western montane in distribution. All six species are native to North America.

Pityomacer pix is here suggested as an additional candidate for potentially rare and endangered status.

Family Anthribidae

Three genera and four species of Anthribidae, or fungus weevils, are recorded from the Montane Cordillera. Adults and larvae of most anthribids are associated with fungi although some species feed on pollen of Asteraceae, and some are predators. Of the species found in the Montane Cordillera, Tropideres fasciatus and Allandrus populi, are found in montane transition zones, where they are associated with fungi, both species apparently in association with species of Salicaceae. The two species of Trigonorhinus are found in dry valleys where one (T. annulatus) appears to be associated with fungus on sagebrush (Bright 1993), and the other (T. sticticus) is associated with smut fungus on corn, wheat and various grasses (Bright 1993).

One species is widespread, two species are northern transcontinental/western montane, and one species is western arid in distribution. All four species are native to North America.

Blades and Maier (1996) propose Trigonorhinus annulatus as a candidate for potentially rare and endangered status.

Family Rhynchitidae

Two genera and three species of Rhynchitidae are recorded from the Montane Cordillera. Adults and larvae of most species of this family are associated with flowers, fruits or new foliage. Adults usually lay eggs in a plant part which they then cut from the plant. The immature stages develop in the dead plant part. Species of Merhynchities are associated with flowers and fruit of various Rosaceae, but especially wild and cultivated roses (Bright 1993). Auletobius congruus has also been associated with flowers of strawberry (Campbell et al. 1989; Bright 1993).

One species is widespread and two species are western/central arid in distribution. One species is found in various habitats, the other two in dry valleys. All three species are native to North America.

Family Apionidae

Eleven species of the genus Apion are recorded from the Montane Cordillera. Adults and larvae of most species are associated with reproductive structures of various plants, but especially Fabaceae. Apion attenuatum and A. simile have been associated with Salicaceae (the former perhaps in sawfly galls); Apion alaskanum, A. cavifrons, A. cyanitinctum and A. proclive have been associated with Fabaceae; Apion pennsylvanicum has been associated with Umbelliferae; Apion punctinasum has been associated with Polygonaceae; and, A. longirostre is an introduced pest of hollyhock (Malvaceae) (Campbell et al. 1989; Bright 1993).

Four species are widespread (one Holarctic, one introduced), two species are northern transcontinental, two species are northern transcontinental/western montane, and three species are western montane (one only from British Columbia to Alaska). Three species are found in various habitats, three in montane transition, two in wetlands, and two in alpine habitats; one species is introduced.

Apion proclive LeConte is proposed by Scudder (1994) as potentially threatened within British Columbia. In Canada it is known only from Merritt, Oliver (7 miles north), Robson and Westwold although it is widespread in the western United States into northern Mexico (Bright 1993).

Alonso-Zarazaga (1990) has subdivided the genus Apion and has placed these North American species in newly recognized genera.

Family Curculionidae

A total of 71 genera and 208 species have been recorded from the Montane Cordillera. These are distributed in 19 subfamilies and numerous tribes. Adults and larvae are associated with various plant parts of a wide variety of plant taxa. Further details are given for each subfamily or tribe.

Subfamily Brachyderinae

Three genera and 10 species have been recorded from the Montane Cordillera.

Within this subfamily, five species are widespread, one is northern transcontinental/western montane, two are western montane and two are western arid in distribution. Two species are found in various habitats, three in montane conifer forests and two in dry valleys; three species of Sitona are introduced. Adults of Stammoderes lanei are associated with Artemesia (Hatch 1971), adults of species of Pachyrhinus are associated with Pinus, and adults of species of Sitona are associated with Fabaceae. Stammoderes lanei has also been associated with peach trees (Campbell et al. 1989); various species of Sitona are serious pests of legume crops including clover (Campbell et al. 1989).

Sitona lupinus Sleeper is proposed by Scudder (1994) as potentially threatened within British Columbia. In Canada it is known only from British Columbia (Creston) and in the United States also from Oregon (Gaston) (Bright 1994). This species is extremely close to S. californius and can be separated only by details in the genitalic structures.

Stammoderes lanei is here suggested as an additional candidate for potentially rare and endangered status.

Subfamily Otiorhynchinae

Thirteen genera and 31 species have been recorded from the Montane Cordillera.

Within this subfamily, four species are widespread, 13 are western montane, three are western/central arid, and ten are western arid in distribution. Otiorhynchus raucus has a disjunct British Columbia - Ontario distribution. One species is found in various habitats, one in montane conifer forests, 12 in montane transition, and 13 in dry valleys; four species of Otiorhynchus are introduced.

Adults of species of Otiorhynchus, Evotus naso, Paraptochus sellatus, Lepesoma, Panscopus, Anametis granulata are associated with a variety of species of plants. Adults of Cercopedius artemisiae and Ophryastes cinarescens are associated with Artemesia (Hatch 1971). Nothing is known of the host plant associations of other species although most are likely associated with a variety of plant taxa as appears typical for species in this subfamily. Some species, for example, Cercopedius artemisiae, Omias saccatus and Lepesoma luteum have been recorded as minor pests of cultivated fruits (Campbell et al. 1989)

Paraptochus sellatus (Boheman) is proposed by Scudder (1994) as potentially threatened within British Columbia. In Canada it is known only from British Columbia (North Bend) and in the United States also from California and Oregon (O'Brien and Wibmer 1982).

Agronus carri, Omias erectus, O. minor, O. saccatus, Cercopedius artemisiae, Lepidophorus pumilus, Panscopus abruptus and Ophryastes cinarescens are suggested as additional candidates for potentially rare and endangered status.

Subfamily Rhytirrhininae

One genus and 11 species have been recorded from the Montane Cordillera.

All eleven species of Rhytirrhininae recorded from the Montane Cordillera are species of Listronotus. Seven of these species are widespread, two are northern transcontinental, one is western montane, and one is western/central arid in distribution. All eleven species are associated with wetlands. Adults of Listronotus filiformis and L. squamiger appear to be predominatly associated with species of Cyperaceae (Henderson 1940; Hatch 1971) whereas adults of L. appendiculatus and L. caudatus have been associated with Sagittaria (Alismataceae) (Muenchow and Delesalle 1992).

Subfamily Hyperinae

One genus and 4 species have been recorded from the Montane Cordillera.

All four species of Hyperinae recorded from the Montane Cordillera are species of Hypera. All four are widespread in distribution. Two species occur in wetlands and two species are introduced. Two species are associated with Fabaceae (Hatch 1971) and one with Polygonaceae (Puttler et al. 1973). Hypera nigrirostris and H. punctata are serious pests of clover crops in North America (Campbell et al. 1989).

Subfamily Cleoninae

Three genera and 8 species have been recorded from the Montane Cordillera.

One species is widespread, three are northern transcontinental, one is western arid and three are western/central arid in distribution. Two species are found in wetlands, two in montane transition and four in dry valleys. Species of Cleonidius are associated with various plant families but mainly Cruciferae, Fabaceae and Asteraceae (Anderson 1988). Adults of Lixus rubellus have been collected in numbers on Polygonum (Polygonaceae) (Pierce 1907)

Cleonidius longinasus Anderson is proposed by Scudder (1994) as potentially threatened within British Columbia. In Canada it is known only from British Columbia (Larkin, Osoyoos, Six-Mile Creek and Vernon) and in the United States also from Washington, Idaho, Wyoming and California (Anderson 1988).

Subfamily Molytinae

Four genera and 9 species have been recorded from the Montane Cordillera.

One species is widespread, four are northern transcontinental, one is northern transcontinental/western montane, and three are western montane in distribution. All nine species are associated with montane transition. Some species, especially those of Lepyrus, occur into alpine habitat but the systematics of this genus needs further study to determine specific habitat associations. Conotrachelus nenuphar is associated with various Rosaceae (including various fruit crops) (Campbell et al. 1989), species of Hylobius with Pinaceae, and species of Lepyrus with Salicaceae, although it is uncertain if Salicaceae serve as hosts for the immature stages (Anderson 1997). Species of Hylobius are pests of the forest industry and Conotrachelus nenuphar is a major pest of stone fruits (Campbell et al. 1989).

Subfamily Pissodinae

One genus and 8 species have been recorded from the Montane Cordillera.

All eight species of Pissodinae recorded from the Montane Cordillera are species of Pissodes. Four of these species are northern transcontinental, two are northern transcontinental/western montane, and two are western montane in distribution. All eight species are associated with montane conifer forests. Adults of all species appear to be predominatly associated with species of Pinaceae. Some of the species are severe pests of the forest industry. A recent review of literature on Pissodes species is given by Langor (1998).

Subfamily Erirhininae

Ten genera and 24 species have been recorded from the Montane Cordillera.

Four species are widespread, seven species are northern transcontinental, seven are northern transcontinental/western montane, four are western montane (one northern), and two are western/central arid in distribution. One species is associated with various habitats, twelve are associated with montane transition (most likely in riparian situations), ten with wetlands, and one with dry valleys. Six species are Holarctic although none are introduced. All ten species of Dorytomus and Acalyptus carpini are associated with flowers of Salicaceae, Grypus equiseti is associated with Equisetum (Equisetaceae), Erirhinus aethiops and Notaris bimaculatus are associated with Typhaceae, Tanysphyrus lemnae is associated with Lemna (Lemnaceae). Notiodes species and Bagous species are associated with Cyperaceae, and Cyperaceae and Pontideraceae respectively (Anderson 1993).

Promecotrasus densus and Phyllotrox rutilus are here suggested as additional candidates for potentially rare and endangered status.

Subfamily Magdalinae

One genus and 9 species have been recorded from the Montane Cordillera.

All nine species of Magdalinae recorded from the Montane Cordillera are species of Magdalis. Three of these species are northern transcontinental/western montane, and six are western montane in distribution. Six species are associated with montane conifer forests and three with montane transition. Adults of six species appear to be predominatly associated with species of Pinaceae whereas M. aenescens, M. gracilis and M. imbellis are associated with Rosaceae (Campbell et al. 1989; Hatch 1971). Some of the species are minor pests of the forest industry whereas others such as M. aenescens are minor pests of apple.

Subfamily Anthonominae

Three genera and 18 species have been recorded from the Montane Cordillera.

Six species are widespread, three are northern transcontinental, three are western montane, three are western arid, two are western/central arid in distribution. Anthonomus deceptus is endemic to British Columbia. Four species are found in a variety of habitats, eight with montane transition, and six with dry valleys. Five species (A. consors, A. nebulosus, A. quadrigibbus, A. rubidus and A. signatus) are associated with Rosaceae (Burke 1988; Burke and Anderson 1989; Campbell et al. 1989; Clark pers. comm.), A. corvulus with Caprifoliaceae (Clark, pers. comm.), A. haematopus with Salix (Salicaceae) (Ahmad and Burke 1972), A. squamosus with Asteraceae (Ahmad and Burke 1972), and Pseudanthonomus validus is associated with a variety of plant families, most notably Ericaceae (Clark 1987).

The genus Anthonomus with 16 species is the most diverse weevil genus in the Montane Cordillera.

Anthonomus deceptus Sleeper is proposed by Scudder (1994) as potentially threatened within British Columbia. In Canada it is known only from British Columbia (Copper Mountain); it is not known from the United States.

Anthonomus albus, A. hirtus, A. ochreopilosus and A. quesnelensis are here suggested as additional candidates for potentially rare and endangered status.

Subfamily Rhynchaeninae

Three genera and 8 species have been recorded from the Montane Cordillera.

Six species are widespread, one is northern transcontinental and one is western montane in distribution. All eight species are found in montane transition, most likely in various riparian situations. Adults of two species are associated with Betulaceae, one primarily with Betulaceae (but also Ulmaceae), one with Rosaceae and four with Salicaceae (Anderson 1989). Larvae of all species mine leaves. Two species are Holarctic.

Subfamily Tychiinae

Three genera and 9 species have been recorded from the Montane Cordillera.

Three species are widespread, one is northern transcontinental/western montane, two are northern transcontinental, two are western arid, and one is western/central arid in distribution. Three species are found in montane transition and three species are found in dry valleys; three species are introduced. Adults of Elleschus ephippiatus and species of Procturus are associated with Salicaceae, whereas all six species of Tychius are associated with Fabaceae (Clark 1971; Anderson and Howden 1994). The introduced T. picirostris and T. stephensi are pests of clover crops (Campbell et al. 1989). Tychius tectus is Holarctic.

Tychius semisquamosus LeConte is proposed by Scudder (1994) as potentially threatened within British Columbia. In Canada it is known only from British Columbia (Oliver) and in the United States also from Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, California and Oregon (O'Brien and Wibmer 1982).

Subfamily Gymnetrinae

One genus and 4 species have been recorded from the Montane Cordillera.

All four species of Gymnetron are introduced and are widespread. Species are associated with species of Verbascum, Linaria (Scrophularaceae) and Plantago (Plantaginaceae) (Anderson 1973).

Subfamily Cryptorhynchinae

One genus and 1 species have been recorded from the Montane Cordillera.

Only one species occurs in the Montane Cordillera. Cryptorhynchus lapathi is a Holarctic northern transcontinental species associated with Salicaceae in montane transition habitat (Hatch 1971; Campbell et al. 1989).

Subfamily Zygopinae

Two genera and 3 species have been recorded from the Montane Cordillera.

One species is northern transcontinental, one is western montane and one is western arid in distribution. Two species occur in montane conifer forests where they are associated with Pinaceae and one species is found in dry valleys likely in association with Asteraceae (Hatch 1971).

Blades and Maier (1996) propose Cylindrocopturus helianthus as a candidate for potentially rare and endangered status.

Subfamily Ceutorhynchinae

Thirteen genera and 34 species have been recorded from the Montane Cordillera.

Eighteen species are widespread, one are northern transcontinental/western montane, two are northern transcontinental, five are western montane (one northern), four are western arid, and two are western/central arid in distribution. Three species appear to be found in various habitats, 13 in wetlands, four in montane transition, and seven in dry valleys (some questionable); seven species are introduced. Ceutorhynchus opertus and C. squamulosus are endemic to British Columbia; both are apparently found in dry valleys. Auleutes epilobii is found in association with Epilobium and Ludwigia (Onagraceae) (Anderson 1997), Acanthoscelidius acephalus is associated with Oenothera (Onagraceae) (Hatch 1971), Rutidosoma decipiens is associated with Populus (Salicaceae) (Anderson 1997), Phytobius leucogaster and possibly Eubrychiopsis albertana are associated with Myriophyllum and Potamageton (Haloragaceae) (Hatch 1971; Buckingham and Bennett 1981), species of Rhinoncus with Polygonaceae (Hoebeke and Whitehead 1980), and species of Pelenomus possibly with Polygonaceae (Anderson 1997). Within Ceutorhynchus, eight species are associated with Cruciferae (C. americanus, C. assimilis, C. erysimi, C. neglectus, C. oregonensis, C. querceti, C. rapae and C. squamulosus; Scheibner 1963; Hatch 1971; Anderson 1993, 1997), and C. punctiger with Taraxacum officinale Weber (Asteraceae; McAvoy et al.1983). Hosts of the remaining species of Ceutorhynchus are not known. Some species of Ceutorhynchus are pests of cultivated Cruciferae, especially rapeseed. Four species in this subfamily are Holarctic in distribution.

The genus Ceutorhynchus with 14 species is the second most diverse weevil genus (after Anthonomus) in the Montane Cordillera.

Ceutorhynchus cupreus Hatch, C. opertus Brown and C. squamulosus Sleeper are proposed by Scudder (1994) as potentially threatened within British Columbia. In Canada, C. cupreus is known only from British Columbia (Creston) and in the United States also from Washington and Oregon (O'Brien and Wibmer 1982); in Canada, C. opertus and C. squamulosus are known only from single localities in British Columbia (Oliver and Creston respectively).

Ceutorhynchus ovipennis, Eubrychius velatus and Pelenomus squamipennis are here proposed as additional candidates for potentially rare and endangered status.

Subfamily Baridinae

Two genera and 2 species have been recorded from the Montane Cordillera.

Two species occur in the Montane Cordillera. One species is western/central arid in distribution and one species, Baris stacesmithi, is a British Columbia endemic. Both species appear to be associated with dry valleys. Baris stacesmithi is associated with Artemisia gnaphalodes (Asteraceae) and Orthoris crotchi is associated with Mentziela laevicollis (Loasaceae) (Hatch 1971).

Baris stacesmithi Sleeper is proposed by Scudder (1994) as potentially threatened within British Columbia. In Canada, it is known only from British Columbia (Creston); it is not known from the United States.

Subfamily Rhynchophorinae

One genus and 5 species have been recorded from the Montane Cordillera.

Four species are widespread and one is western arid in distribution. Three species are found in various habitats and two appear to be found in dry valleys. Species of Sphenophorus are associated with various monocotyledons, mostly species of grasses; S. mormon and S. aequalis are associated with species of Scirpus (Cyperaceae) (Vaurie 1951). Some species may be turfgrass or corn pests.

Subfamily Cossoninae

Five genera and 11 species have been recorded from the Montane Cordillera.

Six species are western montane, three species are northern transcontinental/western montane, one species is western arid in distribution and one species, Hexarthrum thujae, is a British Columbia endemic. Eight species are associated with montane conifer forests and three with montane transition. Seven species are associated with Pinaceae where they live under the bark of dead trees; Hexarthrum thujae is associated with western red cedar (Thuja plicata; Pinaceae), and Cossonus pacificus and C. quadricollis as well as Rhyncolus stacesmithi, are associated with species of Populus (Salicaceae) (Hatch 1971).

Hexarthrum thujae Brown is proposed by Scudder (1994) as potentially threatened within British Columbia. In Canada, it is known only from British Columbia (Revelstoke, 55 km N. Revelstoke); it is not known from the United States.

Rhyncolus stacesmithi is here proposed as an additional candidate for potentially rare and endangered status.