Kuschelysius, a New Alpine Genus of Eugnomine Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Curculioninae) from New Zealand

Abstract

Kuschelysiusnew genus is described for four species, K. hollowayaenew species, K. durusnew species, K. verbalisnew species and K. nitensnew species, which are found in alpine regions along the length of the South Island of New Zealand. The genus most closely resembles members of the genus Eugnomus but is distinguished from them by the presence of a small pair of post-ocular tubercles and by having appressed scales on the dorsal surfaces. Some members of Kuschelysius appear to be flight-capable with well-developed hindwings, while others have reduced hindwings and are presumably flightless. Many specimens have been collected from the flowers of Dracophyllum traversii, Celmisia and other alpine plants, and the guts of examined specimens contained pollen. We hypothesise that the species of Kuschelysius are pollinators of the New Zealand alpine flora.

Designing and Evaluating a Portable UV-LED Vane Trap to Expedite Arthropod Biodiversity Discovery

“…Furthermore, insect surveys in these neglected areas have traditionally focused on tropical rainforests, with other habitats being largely neglected [27]. These features of PFLT also allow for the exploration of underexplored habitats, such as mangroves [27], alpine vegetation [28], and highland aquatic habitats [29] where new species are more likely to be discovered. Additionally, the PFLT can be used to sample insects at different heights, including above the canopy, as the composition, diversity, and abundance of insects can vary based on height [30][31][32].…”

Adults and immatures of Udeus cerradensis Lira, de Medeiros & Grossi, sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): a flower visitor of Cecropia Loefl. (Urticaceae) preyed upon by paper wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

“…Eugnomini is a small tribe of Curculioninae with about 32 genera and 200 known species (Mazur 2017). With a strictly Gondwanan distribution (Caldara, Franz, & Oberprieler 2014), their greatest known diversity is found in the Australian region (Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia), with a few representatives in the Neotropical Region, some undescribed species from Mainland Southeast Asia, and none registered for the Afrotropical region (Brown & Leschen 2018; Caldara, Franz, & Oberprieler 2014; Cawthra 1966). In the Neotropical region, there are four genera: Rhopalomerus Blanchard, Omoides Boheman, Pedetinus Faust, and Udeus Champion (Caldara, Franz, & Oberprieler 2014; Wibmer & O'Brien 1986).…”