Gonipterus Explained

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

Species include:[2]

Notes and References

  1. 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. http://www.eol.org/pages/49925 Encyclopedia of Life

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