On the identity of a U.S. intercepted Conotrachelus Dejean (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) with avocado (Persea americana)

• DOI: 10.3897/bdj.6.e26362
• Publication Date: 2018-11-02T09:51:56Z
• Authors: Maria Lourdes Cha...; Maxwell Barclay
• Keywords: Persea

The multimillion-dollar avocado industry is threatened by a number of serious insect pests, including at least seven species Curculionidae. Of these, three Conotrachelus are known to develop and feed on avocados: aguacatae Barber, perseae Barber C. serpentinus (Klug); the first two economic importance. Recently, series unrecognised was intercepted with other commodities USDA various southern U.S. ports entry. most closely resembled native posticatus Boheman. Given threat posed certain avocado, identity biology unknown becomes matter much concern for regulators due potential risk non-native local agriculture. This study aims determine identity, which in turn may shed light distribution, possible new non-U.S.-native weevils provide tools necessary distinguish amongst phenotypically similar species. Amongst avocados entry lobatus Champion. poorly resembles commonly collected, variable indigenous species, , which, occasion, also avocado. has been since early 1900s until today, along narrow corridor southwest Mexican states Michoacan, Jalisco Nayarit. Specimen label data natural history collections suggests presence this large numbers July growing region Mexico and, based notes from former curators, appears breed acorns endemic oak Quercus obtusata . interception wth does not imply strict biological association, however it reveals an important pattern species' introduction its vector. Understanding all aspects organism's will better equip growers, as well regulators, effective well-informed management strategies. Characters imaged discussed order help some belonging group II designated Schoof (1942). Some characters particular importance shape metauncus; lateral margin elytra presence/absence costate second elytral intervals. includes high-resolution images pests scoparius Champion squamifrons latter USA natives were included Schoof's work. confirms role played anchoring name through types, allows linking distribution over time. Lectotypes herein