The giraffe weevil (Trachelophorus giraffa) is a species of small weevil endemic to Madagascar.[2] They are black-bodied and have bright red elytra covering their wings. Giraffe weevils are known for their elongated necks, with the males having necks 2 to 3 times the size of their female counterparts. There are several advantages to their elongated necks, including using them for combat, attracting mates, building nests, and acquiring resources. In the field of coleopterology, giraffe weevils are of interest because they exhibit sexual dimorphism. There are other beetle species that share the common name giraffe weevil, like the New Zealand giraffe weevil Lasiorhynchus barbicornis.
| Giraffe weevil | |
|---|---|
| |
| Male | |
| |
| Female | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Family: | Attelabidae |
| Genus: | Trachelophorus |
| Species: | T. giraffa
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| Binomial name | |
| Trachelophorus giraffa Jekel, 1860
| |
Diet and lifestyle
editGiraffe weevils spend the entirety of their lives on trees in the Madagascar forests. As such their diet mainly consists of the leaves of the trees they dwell in.
Predators
editResearch has not identified any predators that specifically target giraffe weevils. Common predators in the Madagascar forest that prey upon beetles and their larvae in general are birds and small mammals like lemurs and fossa.[3]
Reproduction
editIn order to attract a mating partner male giraffe weevils have been known to perform elaborate displays involving the swaying of their necks, showcasing their vibrant colors. The female giraffe weevil then evaluates the dance and if she approves, the male will have the opportunity to engage in courtship.[4]
While there has not been any quantitative research regarding the reproductive habits of giraffe weevils, certain observations have shed light on some unique behaviors. Females may roll up a leaf and lay a single egg inside the leaf tube, snipping it off to fall onto the forest floor. The leaf then provides the larva with food in its first days of life.
Sexual dimorphism
editGiraffe weevils exhibit sexual dimorphism.[5] Male giraffe weevils have elongated necks that females lack.
Culture
editMany cultures use beetles as a form of art and expression. The giraffe weevil can be seen in Madagascar communities being sold and used as decor or jewelry. The price for a giraffe weevil in Madagascar in 2021 was around 10 USD.[6]
References
edit- ^ Englefield, E. (2021). "Trachelophorus giraffa". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T193348632A193724158. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T193348632A193724158.en. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
- ^ "The Giraffe Weevil: Nature's Marvel of Elegance and Adaptation". Inverts of Interest. 2023-06-16. Retrieved 2024-03-01.
- ^ "The Real Animals of Madagascar". www.wildmadagascar.org. Retrieved 2024-03-01.
- ^ "The Giraffe Weevil: Nature's Marvel of Elegance and Adaptation". Inverts of Interest. 2023-06-16. Retrieved 2024-03-01.
- ^ Prakash, Anupama; Monteiro, Antónia (2016-10-01). "Molecular mechanisms of secondary sexual trait development in insects". Current Opinion in Insect Science. Global change biology * Molecular physiology. 17: 40–48. doi:10.1016/j.cois.2016.06.003. ISSN 2214-5745.
- ^ van Huis, Arnold (April 2021). "Cultural Significance of Beetles in Sub-Saharan Africa". Insects. 12 (4): 368. doi:10.3390/insects12040368. ISSN 2075-4450. PMC 8074302.