Ottistirini is a taxonomic tribe of weevils belonging to the family Curculionidae and the subfamily Entiminae. The tribe was formally established and described by the German entomologist Karl Maria Heller in 1925. It is classified within the "broad-nosed weevil" group, a designation reflecting the characteristic morphology of the rostrum in the Entiminae subfamily.
Taxonomy and Classification
The tribe Ottistirini is situated within the subfamily Entiminae, which is one of the largest groups within the snout beetle family (Curculionidae). The type genus for the tribe is Ottistira, first described by Francis Polkinghorne Pascoe in 1872. Taxonomic classifications within this group are based on specific morphological features, such as the structure of the scrobes (grooves on the snout for the antennae) and the arrangement of scales and setae on the elytra.
Several genera are included within the Ottistirini, although the exact composition of the tribe can vary between taxonomic authorities. Commonly recognized genera include:
- Ottistira Pascoe, 1872
- Eupyrgops Berg, 1898
- Goniophylla
- Itaspius
- Nesis
Distribution
The members of the tribe Ottistirini are primarily distributed throughout the Indomalayan and Australasian biogeographic realms. Their range encompasses various archipelagos and tropical regions, with documented occurrences in the Philippines, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and parts of the Indonesian archipelago. The high concentration of species in these regions suggests that the tribe is largely specialized for tropical and subtropical forest ecosystems.
Biological Characteristics
As members of the Entiminae, the life cycle and general biology of Ottistirini are shared with other broad-nosed weevils. They are phytophagous (plant-eating) insects. The larvae are typically edaphic, meaning they dwell in the soil where they feed on the roots of various host plants. The adult weevils are terrestrial and are generally found on the foliage of trees, shrubs, or herbaceous plants, where they feed on leaves.
The morphology of Ottistirini is distinguished by a relatively short and wide rostrum compared to the "long-snouted" weevils in other subfamilies. They often possess specialized scales that provide coloration and protection, which can be significant in the identification of specific genera and species within the tribe.
