Cryptolarynx hirtulus


Cryptolarynx hirtulus is a species of beetle of the family Curculionidae. It is found in South Africa, where it is only known from the type locality, near Vanrhynsdorp in the Western Cape Province.

Description

Adults reach a length of about 2–2.6 mm and have an integument black body, with the antennae, tarsi and sometimes tibiae reddish.

Biology

Specimens were collected at several localities in homogenous stands of Oxalis obtusa. Some were extracted from galleries in the soil, emerging from the bulbs. Adults were collected between July and September, with freshly emerged specimens encountered in July and August.

Etymology

The species name is derived from the Latin adjective hirtus and refers to the suberect scales in the strial punctures, which give the species a slightly hairy appearance.