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Polytus Faust, 1894

Diagnosis: Small, 4-5 mm in total body length; elongate-narrow in form, uniformly black; antennal funicle of 6 articles, apex extended to posterior margin of eye; rostrum cylindrical, curved ventrally, separated from head by basal constriction; eyes not or barely visible in dorsal view; anterior margin of pronotum straight behind eye; tarsus of 5 articles, but article 4 small, located at very base of article 3, article 3 wider than 2 and bilobed ventrally, tibia with distinct subapical tooth at inner angle in addition to larger tooth at outer angle; front coxae widely separated; pygydium exposed beyond elytra; scutellum small, rhomboidal or subcircular, widest at middle.

Natural history: The only species in this genus, Polytus mellerborgii, is associated with bananas.

Diversity: This genus contains only the species Polytus mellerborgii (Boheman). It is introduced from the Old World.

Polytus mellerborgii (Boheman)

Distribution: Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico and Panama; introduced from Old World.

Natural history: This species is known as the small banana weevil. It has been widely introduced into banana growing areas around the world from its native Malaysia.