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Type: Article
Published: 2021-11-09
Page range: 40-54
Abstract views: 447
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Contribution to morphology, biology and distribution of Mecolenus wahlbergi Schoenherr, 1847, a relict African apionine weevil (Coleoptera: Brentidae: Apioninae)

Museum of Natural History, University of Wrocław, Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335 Wrocław, Poland
Centre for Functional Biodiversity and Discipline of Geography, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, PB X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
Coleoptera Curculionoidea Mecolenini taxonomy redescription Cryptocarya latifolia host plant Lauraceae distribution South Africa

Abstract

Mecolenus wahlbergi Schoenherr, the sole member of the basal apionine tribe Mecolenini and one of the least known South African weevils, was re-discovered at a new locality at Umtamvuna River separating KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces. It was found feeding on leaves of the Broad-leaved Wild-quince Cryptocarya latifolia Sond. (Lauraceae), which is the first record on the biology of this species. The distribution of M. wahlbergi is summarized and mapped, including unpublished records based primarily on the specimens deposited at the Durban Natural Science Museum. Concordance between the distribution of the weevil and its putative host C. latifolia is discussed. The adult morphology of M. wahlbergi is re-described and illustrated.

 

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