A review of the broad nosed weevil genus Thecesternus Say found in the continental United States (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae)

Abstract

The taxonomy and nomenclature of the North American weevil genus Thecesternus Say was reviewed. Five previously described species are recognized as valid: affinis, foveolatus, hirsutus, humeralis, and maculosus. One new species, tumulosus, from Texas is described as new. The following new synonymy is proposed: longior LeConte 1856 (= affinis LeConte 1856) and albidus Pierce 1909 (= maculosus Pierce 1909). A neotype is designated for T. humeralis (Say). A key to identify the species is provided, with various illustrations of key morphological features characterizing these species. Additionally, distribution maps, species descriptions, and species differentiation for each species is provided. A cladistic hypothesis of the included species is presented.