Weevils - Entomological Society of Canada

elytral apices. Middle coxae separated by junction between mesosternal
process and metasternal piece (Fig. 48), or middle coxae contiguous or
narrowly separated with a distinct gap between the mesosternal and
metasternal processes (Fig. 7). Tibiae of males often mucronate in
some species.
T5pe species. Attelabus frumentarius Fabricius, by subsequent
designation.
Comments. Over 1300 species of this genus are known from all
areas of the world. The genus has been broken into a number of
subgenera, which are not used in the following treatment, except in the
key to species. The larvae burrow in stems, feed on the developing
pericarp of fruit, or develop in seeds of a wide variety of herbaceous
plants, mostly Compositae and Leguminosae. They are often the cause
of serious economic loss. Kissinger (1968) revised the genus, but a
considerable number of taxonomic problems still remain. For ease in
finding a species discussion, individual species discussions are arranged
in alphabetical order following the key.
Key to subgenera and species of Apion in Canada and
Alaska
1. Middle coxae separated by mesos ternal process and intercoxal
process of metasternum (Fig. 48)
Middle coxae contiguous or narrowly separated, with distinct gap
between mesosternal and metasternal processes (Fig. 47) . . . . . 44
2. Tibiae of male wholly or partly mucronate
Nomaletibiaemucronate. ........26
3. Front legs of male with polished area on ventral surface of femur;
area generally limited posteriorly by prominent longitudinal
carina, with or without striate area (Figs. 50-54). Metasternum
generally with paired spicules near median area of posterior margin
(subgenusFallapion) ....... 4
Front legs of male not modified as above on ventral surface of femur.
Metasternum without paired spicules near median area of posterior
margin 12
4. Limiting carina of smooth area on ventral surface of each front
femur of male absent or located on outer Iateral side of femur
(Figs. 50-54)
5
75