Adaptation to the host-plant, and the evolution of host specialization, in 'cycad weevils' (Coleoptera: Brentidae)

This thesis deals with host relationships in an enigmatic and seemingly primitive group of weevils belonging to the genus Antliarhinus (Coleoptera: Brentidae). These beetles occur only on species of the cycad genus Encephalartos and appear to retain an ancient association with cycads, a group of plants that were widespread in the Mesozoic era (ca. 200 MYA) before the rise of the angiosperms and which are now represented by 11 genera with relict distributions in the tropics and sub-tropics. The primary aim of this research was to determine the possible causes of narrow host specialization in Antliarhinus zamiae (Thunberg) and A. signatus Gyllenhal, two species which develop exclusively on the ovules of their cycad hosts.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Biological Sciences

Year dc:date.issued

1991

Author dc:creator

• Donaldson, John Sidney

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Moran, V C
• Hoffmann John

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/8399

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/8399