Platypus cylindrus

Scientific profile

Platypus cylindrus is a small curculionid beetle with a mean body length of 5.19 mm (literature mean 5.25 mm) and a body mass of approximately 5.54 mg. The body is nearly cylindrical in cross‑section, with a width of 1.47 mm and a height of 1.48 mm, resulting in a roundness index of 1.00. The overall colour is light (lightness value 111.39), and the body bears a moderate covering of hairs, with a total hairiness score of 15.5; hairiness is particularly pronounced on the ventral abdomen (score 27.7) and the dorsal head (20.9). The head is 1.21 mm long and 1.30 mm wide, with compound eyes of 0.102 mm² area and short antennae measuring 0.73 mm. The mandibles are small, 0.37 mm long with a proximal width of 0.13 mm. The pronotum measures 1.53 mm in length and 1.30 mm in width. The elytra are 2.62 mm long and 0.73 mm wide. The membranous wings have a length of 3.09 mm, an area of 3.44 mm², and an aspect ratio of 2.17; the wing loading is 1.61. Leg proportions are typical, with front femora 0.9 mm and hind femora 0.7 mm in length. Males and females do not differ in body size (sexual dimorphism score 0.0). The species belongs to the family Curculionidae and has been recorded in Great Britain, where its presence is documented though its status remains indeterminate.