Gonipterus

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Gonipterus
undescribed species of Gonipterus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Infraorder: Cucujiformia
Family: Curculionidae
Subfamily: Curculioninae
Tribe: Gonipterini
Genus: Gonipterus
Schoenherr, 1833
Species

about 20

Gonipterus is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae. There are approximately 20 described species in the genus, most of which are native to Australia. They are all plant feeders and many are specific to a single host species. Gonipterus platensis, Gonipterus pulverulentus, and an undescribed species infest a number of species of Eucalyptus and have spread to other parts of the world where these trees have been planted.[1]

Populations formerly misidentified as Gonipterus scutellatus in New Zealand, North America, and western Europe are Gonipterus platensis, and those in Africa and eastern Europe are an undescribed species.[1] These were historically all misidentified as G. scutellatus until researchers examined the DNA of the pest species in 2012 and determined that none of the pests were genuine G. scutellatus.[1] Populations in South America formerly identified as Gonipterus gibberus, are now recognzed to be G. pulverulentus.[1]

Species[edit]

Species include:[2]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Mapondera, T.S., Burgess, T., Matsuki, M. and Oberprieler, R.G. (2012), Identification and molecular phylogenetics of the cryptic species of the Gonipterus scutellatus complex (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Gonipterini). Australian Journal of Entomology, 51: 175-188. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-6055.2011.00853.x
  2. ^ Encyclopedia of Life