Variability and distribution of the golden-headed weevil Compsus auricephalus (Say) (Curculionidae: Entiminae: Eustylini)

Abstract

<jats:p>The golden-headed weevil <jats:italic>Compsus auricephalus</jats:italic> is a native and fairly widespread species across the southern U.S.A. extending through Central America south to Panama. There are two recognised morphotypes of the species: the typical green form, with pink to cupreous head and part of the legs and the uniformly white to pale brown form. There are other Central and South American species of <jats:italic>Compsus</jats:italic> and related genera of similar appearance that make it challenging to provide accurate identifications of introduced species at ports of entry.</jats:p> <jats:p>Here, we re-describe the species, provide images of the habitus, miscellaneous morphological structures and male and female genitalia. We discuss the morphological variation of <jats:italic>Compsus auricephalus</jats:italic> across its distributional range, by revising and updating its distributional range, based on data from entomological collections in the U.S.A. and Canada. The revised distribution of <jats:italic>C. auricephalus</jats:italic> extends as far south as Zacapa in Guatemala. Records south from there correspond to a different species, with affinities to <jats:italic>C. auricephalus</jats:italic> that we discuss and illustrate. We also discuss morphological affinities and differences with other similar species. Furthermore, we summarise information regarding the biology, host plants and natural enemies of <jats:italic>C. auricephalus</jats:italic>.</jats:p>

Figure 9 from: Girón JC (2020) Status of knowledge of the broad-nosed weevils of Colombia (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae). Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(4): 583-674. https://doi.org/10.3897/neotropical.15.e59713

“…Franz (2010a) re-described several type species in Eustylini and presented a morphology-based phylogeny of the so called "Exophthalmus genus complex", which involves several eustyline genera, especially Central American and Caribbean groups. Girón and Chamorro (2020) defined the "Compsus genus complex" and discussed affinities amongst species in this group. Some eustylines were included in phylogenetic analyses emphasising South American taxa by Marvaldi et al (2018).…”

“…Species of Compsus have been recorded as Citrus pests (Cano et al 2002a, b;Gallego et al 2012, O'Brien and Peña 2012) in Colombia and sugar cane in Venezuela (Kuschel 1955a). The Colombian endemic Oxyderces viridipes (Boheman in Schönherr 1840b, 179) has been intercepted at ports in the USA on Hydrangea flowers (Hydrangeaceae; see Girón and Chamorro 2020). In nature, eustylines commonly rest with their prolegs extended towards the front of the body.…”

Status of knowledge of the broad-nosed weevils of Colombia (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae)

“…Species of Compsus have been recorded as Citrus pests (Cano et al 2002a, b;Gallego et al 2012, O'Brien andPeña 2012) in Colombia and sugar cane in Venezuela (Kuschel 1955a). The Colombian endemic Oxyderces viridipes (Boheman in Schönherr 1840b, 179) has been intercepted at ports in the USA on Hydrangea flowers (Hydrangeaceae; see Girón and Chamorro 2020). In nature, eustylines commonly rest with their prolegs extended towards the front of the body.…”