The male genitalia of weevils comprises an endophallus (= 'internal sac') eversible from a 'median lobe' surrounded by a tegmen.
The term 'median lobe' is probably inappropriate, and many auhtors have not used it, preferring instead 'aedeagus' or 'penis' for this organ. However, we have 2 diametrically-opposed views regarding the use of these terms:
- Some authors use 'aedeagus' for the median lobe, and do not use penis at all.
- Others will use this terminology but employ 'penis' for the aedeagus + tegmen + endophallus
- John Lawrence et al, in their glossary of terms for use in Coleoptera, use penis for the median lobe (+ endophallus) and aedeagus for the penis + tegmen + endophallus. Tuxen’s Glossary of Genitalia in Insects takes the same view.
Currently the glossary of characters on this website conforms with the latter view.
We should have agreement on this; any comments?
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