October 23, 2025

First record of the weevil genus Macrotarrhus Bedel, 1906 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from Turkey with description of a new species

BKB. A. KorotyaevZoological Institute VDV. I. DorofeyevRussian Academy of Sciences NGNeslihan GültekinIğdır Üniversitesi

Key Points

New species Macrotarrhus (Alexiola) araxicola was discovered in Kars Province, Turkey, emphasizing regional biodiversity.
Observations included the association with Atraphaxis tournefortii, revealing insights into local ecology and vegetation.
Research involved reviewing the distribution of related weevil species within the Palaearctic catalog, suggesting greater ecological connections.
The study indicates that the presence of new recorded species enhances understanding of Coleoptera diversity in Turkey.

Abstract

The weevil genus Macrotarrhus Bedel, 1906 is recorded for the first time from Turkey where a new species Macrotarrhus (Alexiola) araxicola Korotyaev, sp. nov. was found on Atraphaxis tournefortii Jaub. et Spach in the Kars Province. A brief description of the vegetation in the locality is given with data on some other coleopterous herbivores in it. Phytonomus subdepressus Hochhuth, 1851, placed in Macrotarrhus incertae sedis in the Palaearctic catalogue, is transferred to Donus Jekel, 1865, based on examination of its type in SDEI; thus, the new combination is formed: Donus subdepressus (Hochhuth, 1851), comb. nov. The distribution of the most northeastern Macrotarrhus species, M. validirostris (Faust, 1890), is specified. A unique character is found in Ptochus armeniacus Osella, 1977, from north-eastern Turkey: the well-developed ocular lobes; this species was also found to be associated with Atraphaxis tournefortii.

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