Biology
Eggs are deposited in pits chewed in the root crowns and
the stems. The larvae mine the stems and roots. Larvae look
very similar to M. lareynii. They pupate in the stems.
Adults emerge from exit holes in the stems and root crowns.
They feed on stems and leaves. There may be multiple generations
per year.
History
The adults of this weevil look very similar to adults of
M. lareynii and often occur together. Consequently,
the history of releases for puncturevine weevils are generally
combined. Please see the section on puncturevine seed weevil
to review that information.
Successes
Refer to Puncturevine seed weevil, Microlarinus lareynii
(Jacquilin du Val). These weevils are released
simultaneously for the biological contrtol of puncturevine.
Implementation
Both the seed weevil and the stem weevil for biological control
of puncturevine are native insects of Europe. The first releases
of these species in the United States were imported from Italy.
Weevil establishment is favored by warm temperature areas
associated with mild winters. The range of weevils released
is ordinarily between 250 and 1000 weevils. Cold temperatures
sometimes limit the population.
Host Range
Microlarinus lypriformis feeds on puncturevine, Tribulus
terrestris, Jamaica feverplant, Tribulus cistoides
and Kallstroemia spp.
Research
Refer to Puncturevine seed weevil, Microlarinus lareynii
(Jacquilin du Val). These weevils are released
simultaneously for the biological contrtol of puncturevine.
Literature
Goeden, R. D., and R. L. Kirkland. 1978. An Insecticidal-Check
Study of the Biological Control of Puncturevine (Tribulus
terrestris) by Imported Weevils, Microlarinus lareynii
and M. lypriformis (Col.: Curculionidae). Environmental
Entomologist 7(3):349-354.
Maddox, D. M. 1976. History of Weevils on Puncturevine in
and Near the United States. Weed Science 24(4):414-419.
Rummel, D. R., and M. D. Arnold. 1992. Status of the Puncturevine
Seed Weevil in the Texas Southern High Plains. Southwestern
Entomologist 17(4): 347-348.
Turner, C. E. 1995. Microlarinus lypriformis. In Biological
Control of Weeds in the West. Western Society of Weed Science.
Links
