Observations on the morphology and classification of weevils (Coleoptera, Curculionoidea) with a key to major groups

Abstract

A brief account of the present state of weevil taxonomy is followed by a detailed study of certain structures used in their classification, namely the venter, abdominal tergites, sternite 8 of the male, apex of the hind tibia and deciduous mandibular processes. A key to some 50 families and subfamilies of Curculionoidea is followed by a list of family-group taxa. The following changes are made: Brachyceridae, Erirhinidae, Cryptolaryngidae and Raymondionymidae are promoted to family rank from Curculionidae; Antliarhininae is demoted to a subfamily of Brentidae, and Allocoryninae to a subfamily of Oxycorynidae; Coptonotini is demoted to a tribe of Curculionidae-Scolytinae; Carinae, Subfam. n. is erected for Car Blackburn (genus incertae sedis) is Belidae; Dinomorphini is demoted to a tribe of Molytinae and Brachyceropsidinae is revived from synonymy with Dinomorphinae (Curculionidae); Brachyderini, Eremnini, Otiorhynchini and Sitonini are demoted to tribes of Entiminae; Desmidophorinae is transferred from Brentidae to Brachyceridae; Ocladiini is promoted to a tribe of Desmidophorinae (from Curculionidae-Cryptorhynchinae); Campyloscelini (including Phaenomerina) is transferred from Rhynchophoridae to Curculionidae-Zygopinae; Carphodicticinae is promoted to subfamily rank and transferred from Curculionidae-Scolytinae to Platypodidae; Perieges Schönherr is transferred from Curculionidae-Thecesterninae to Cryptolaryngidae and Agriochaeta Pascoe from Cryptorhynchinae to Hyperinae (Curculionidae); Schedlarius Wood and Mecopelmus Blackman are transferred from Coptonotidae to Platypodidae.