Gemeinsame Familienprüfung von Curculioninae und Hyphornthuminae (Coleoptera Curculionidae) – Beiträge zur Entomologie, Band 15, 2012, S. 516.

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Understanding Gemeinsame Familienprüfung von Curculioninae und Hyphornthuminae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): Beiträge zur Entomologie, Band 15, 2012, S. 516 The Curculioninae and Hyphornthuminae subfamilies within the Curculionidae (weevils) represent a critical focal point for entomological research, particularly in understanding beetle evolution, host-plant interactions, and pest management strategies. The 2012 publication Gemeinsame Familienprüfung von Curculioninae und Hyphornthuminae (Common Family-Level Analysis of Curculioninae and Hyphornthuminae) in Beiträge zur Entomologie, Band 15, pp. 516, delivers a comprehensive review that consolidates decades of taxonomic, ecological, and morphological insights. This article serves as a foundational reference for researchers, students, and practitioners in entomology, particularly in the realms of coleopterology, agricultural pest control, and systematics. ### Taxonomic Revisions and Morphological Insights
The study conducts a detailed comparative analysis of the morphological traits distinguishing Curculioninae (true weevils) from Hyphornthuminae (a group closely associated with plant-feeding habits and often sequestering plant toxins), highlighting diagnostic features such as rostrum shape, elytral sculpturing, and antennal structure. The authors emphasize key synapomorphies that clarify phylogenetic relationships, addressing long-standing debate over familial boundaries based on both morphological and molecular datasets. Notably, the paper refines diagnostic characters for several genera, offering revised keys and illustrations critical for accurate field identification. ### Host-Plant Interactions and Ecological Roles
A central theme is the complex relationship between these subfamilies and their host plants. The 2012 study synthesizes field and experimental data revealing specialized feeding behaviors, oviposition strategies, and chemical adaptations enabling these weevils to exploit diverse plant lineages. Particular attention is paid to species within Hyphornthuminae known for sequestering iridoidal glycosides or alkaloids—compounds that deter predators and shape community dynamics. These ecological insights not only enrich fundamental understanding but inform integrated pest management (IPM) approaches in agriculture and conservation horticulture.