ARS | Publication request: A synopsis of the orchid weevil genus Orchidophilus Buchanan (Curculionidae, Baridinae), with taxonomic rectifications and description of one new species

Submitted to: Zootaxa
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: May 7, 2008
Publication Date: June 6, 2008
Citation: Prena, J. 2008. A synopsis of the orchid weevil genus Orchidophilus Buchanan (Curculionidae, Baridinae), with taxonomic rectifications and description of one new species. Zootaxa. 1783: 18-30.

Interpretive Summary: Many organisms have been introduced inadvertently to foreign regions by global trade and traffic. Orchid weevils are one such example. Although not particularly common in their native range, they have become notorious hitchhikers since the onset of the global trade of orchid cultivars approximately 100 years ago. In the United States, at least six species have been intercepted, one of which now is established in Hawaii. Their sporadic and locally confined appearance all over the world has led to numerous isolated studies and inconsistent views regarding their names. Most strikingly, many local authorities consider these weevils to be regional problems and are unaware of their global importance. This paper provides an overview of our knowledge of these insects, clarifies their scientific names, and promotes general awareness toward introduced species. This information will be valuable to those in the orchid trade and action agencies such as APHIS.

Technical Abstract: Six species of the weevil genus Orchidophilus Buchanan are recognized: O. epidendri (Murray) comb. n. (=Acythopeus genuinus Pascoe syn. n., =Baris orchivora Blackburn syn. n., =Apotomorhinus orchidearum Kolbe syn. n.), O. aterrimus (Waterhouse), O. eburifer (Pascoe) comb. n. (=Acythopeus gilvonotatus Barber syn. n.), O. peregrinator Buchanan, O. ran Morimoto, and O. insidiosus Prena sp. n. These species appear to be native to Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and possibly Thailand and Australia but are dispersed frequently with orchid cultivars by global trade. Orchidophilus aterrimus has been intercepted most frequently and now is established in several Indo-Pacific regions outside its native range. Nearly as common as, and occasionally confused with the former is O. epidendri. Orchidophilus ran is of some significance in Japan and Korea, while O. peregrinator, O. eburifer, and O. insidiosus were intercepted occasionally at scattered locations before 1970. An identification key for the six species is provided. Lectotypes are designated for Baridius aterrimus Waterhouse, Acythopeus genuinus Pascoe, Baris orchivora Blackburn, and Apotomorhinus orchidearum Kolbe; a neotype is designated for Centrinus epidendri Murray.