08 Ara 2024 Pazar
On the distribution and biology of Bothynoderes affinis, the pest of sugar beet (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Abstract : The range of the weevil Bothynoderes affinis (Schrank, 1781) (= Chromoderus fasciatus (O.F. Müller, 1776) comprises the entire territory of Ukraine (a distribution map with 67 records is provided). Its usual habitats are dry, open places with light soil, especially in coastal and ruderal habitats. Its migration by air and walk occurs mainly in May. Apparently, adults are diurnal. They feed on the leaf plates and petioles, young axillary shoots, the superficial layer of the stems. The eggs are laid on the root collar or just below it. Larvae are oligophagous, and develop within the roots of some Amaranthaceae (Amaranthus, Atriplex, Bassia, Chenopodium, Salsola). This results in the formation of root galls. Some of the gall features are shortly described and discussed. The species is univoltine. In Southern Ukraine first adults of new generation were recorded in the beginning of August. Before mid-September most of them dig into the soil or litter for overwintering. This species is able to seriously damage beet crops during its massive reproduction. Besides, weevil is listed in the Red Lists of several European countries and can be useful for biological control for weeds. Certain aspects for depth research of B. affinis are outlined.