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Otiorhynchus meridionalis

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Otiorhynchus meridionalis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Curculionidae
Genus: Otiorhynchus
Species:
O. meridionalis
Binomial name
Otiorhynchus meridionalis
Gyllenhal, 1834
Synonyms[1]
  • Otiorhynchus subglobosus Blanchard, 1851

Otiorhynchus meridionalis, the lilac root weevil, is a species of broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae.[1][2][3][4] It is found in North America.[1] Lilac root weevils are shiny, brownish-black beetles, about 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) with long snout (rostrum) and geniculate (elbowed) antennae. They are common landscape pests, feeding on lilac, euonymous and peonies.[5]

Lilac leaves eaten by the weevil

Larvae feed on plant roots, while adult insects feed on leaves, eating only the edges in form of numerous U-shaped notches. They are commonly present on North American lilac, but seldom create lasting damage to the plant.[6][5]

Adult insects are nocturnal. Like other root weevils (O. ovatus, O. rugostriatus and O. sulcatus), they often wander into households during hot summer months in search for shade and moisture. Although harmless to humans, pets and furnishings, they pose a nuisance. Treatment with pyrethroid-based insecticides is recommended only in cases of severe infestations, and occasional bug is best tolerated or removed mechanically.[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Otiorhynchus meridionalis Report". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 2018-03-14.
  2. ^ "Otiorhynchus meridionalis species details". Catalogue of Life. Retrieved 2018-03-14.
  3. ^ "Otiorhynchus meridionalis Overview". Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved 2018-03-14.
  4. ^ "Otiorhynchus meridionalis Species Information". BugGuide.net. Retrieved 2018-03-14.
  5. ^ a b c Cranshaw, W. S. "Root Weevils – 5.551". CSU Extension. Colorado State University. Retrieved 2018-05-31.
  6. ^ "Lilac (Syringa)-Root weevil". Pacific Northwest Handbooks. University of Oregon. 11 April 2017. Retrieved 2018-05-31.

Further reading

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