ARS | Publication request: ISCHNOPTERAPION VIRENS (HERBST) (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE, APIONIDAE): APALEARCTIC PEST OF CLOVER, TRIFOLIUM SPP. (FABACEAE), NEW TO NORTH AMERICA

Submitted to: Annals of the Entomological Society of America
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: December 10, 1999
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: A small, bluish-black weevil that feeds on clover and is native to Europe was reported for the first time in North America. It has been collected in 22 counties in Pennsylvania, three in New Jersey, three in New York, and one in Delaware. Adults chew small holes in leaves, and larvae tunnel in the runners of white clover and stems of red clover. This insect has the potential to be a problem on clovers. A description of the adult and key to its identification is presented with notes on the insect's life history and biology.

Technical Abstract: Ischnopterapion virens (Herbst) is reported for the first time in North America based on collections in 22 counties in Pennsylvania, three counties each in New Jersey and New York, and one county in northern Delaware. This immigrant weevil is a pest of clover (Trifolium spp.) with adults causing feeding damage to the foliage and larvae mining in the petioles, stems (stolons) root-crowns, and roots. A redescription and diagnosis of the adult are given to allow its identification and separation from other similar Nearctic species, and its biology and seasonal history in the Palearctic region are summarized from the European literature.