Diocalandra facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Diocalandra
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Coleoptera
Family:	Curculionidae
Subfamily:	Dryophthorinae
Genus:	Diocalandra Faust, 1894

Diocalandra is a group of small insects known as weevils. Weevils are a type of beetle that often have a long snout. These weevils belong to a larger family called Dryophthorinae.

You can find Diocalandra weevils mostly in Africa, Asia, and Australia. One of the most well-known species in this group is the lesser or four-spotted coconut weevil. This weevil is known for causing damage to coconut trees.

What Are Diocalandra Weevils?

Diocalandra is a genus, which is a scientific way to group together very similar types of animals. Think of it like a family name for these specific weevils. They are part of the weevil family, which means they are beetles with a special long snout.

These weevils are generally small. They are important because some of them, like the coconut weevil, can affect plants that humans use.

Where Do Diocalandra Weevils Live?

Diocalandra weevils are found in different parts of the world. Their main homes are in:

• Africa
• Asia
• Australia

This wide distribution means they can adapt to different environments. They often live in places where their preferred food sources, like coconut trees, are common.

Famous Diocalandra Species

While there are many types of Diocalandra weevils, one stands out:

• Diocalandra frumenti (the lesser or four-spotted coconut weevil)

This particular weevil is known for being a pest to coconut trees. It can cause harm to the trees, which affects coconut production in some areas. Scientists study these weevils to understand how to protect crops.

Other species in this group include:

• Diocalandra crucigera
• Diocalandra impressicollis
• Diocalandra kamiyai

Scientists continue to discover and study new species of Diocalandra to learn more about their lives and how they interact with their environment.