Stenopelmus
C.J. Schoenherr, 1835
marsh weevils
Species Guides
1- Stenopelmus rufinasus(Azolla Weevil)
Stenopelmus is a of marsh weevils comprising at least two described . The genus is best known for Stenopelmus rufinasus, a North American weevil introduced to Europe in the late 19th century alongside its plant Azolla filiculoides. Members of this genus are specialized herbivores associated with aquatic ferns and have been employed as agents for water fern management.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Stenopelmus: //ˌstɛnoʊˈpɛlməs//
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Habitat
Aquatic environments, particularly water bodies containing ferns of the Azolla. Includes natural oxbow lakes, temporary ponds, marshes, and paddy fields. occur in shoreline detritus.
Distribution
Native to southern and western United States. Introduced to Europe (first recorded France 1898), now established in United Kingdom, Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, France, Hungary, Slovakia, Serbia, Ukraine, Poland, and Israel. Also introduced to South Africa (1997) as agent. Records from Colombia and Iran indicate further spread.
Seasonality
active during warmer months; in Mediterranean systems, peak activity May-June coinciding with plant productivity. Multiple per year under favorable conditions (4-6 generations annually). as adults in detritus.
Ecological Role
agent for aquatic fern Azolla filiculoides. Capable of achieving high densities and controlling or eradicating plant populations. Potential role in limiting spread of invasive water ferns in managed .
Human Relevance
Intentionally introduced to South Africa and other regions as agent for Azolla filiculoides, an aquatic weed. Control efforts have demonstrated spectacular in reducing water fern . Concerns exist regarding potential shifts and establishment on native aquatic plants in invaded ranges.
Similar Taxa
- Bagous spp.Native European marsh weevils that co-occur in temporary ponds and aquatic ; Stenopelmus rufinasus has been documented at higher frequency than Bagous in some vegetated pond systems, suggesting competitive or advantages in invaded ranges.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- The Life History of Stenopelmus rufinasus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
- First record of Stenopelmus rufinasus Gyllenhal, 1835 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from Poland
- The exotic weevil Stenopelmus rufinasus Gyllenhal, 1835 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) across a “host-free” pond network
- Life history and laboratory host range of Stenopelmus rufinasus, a natural enemy for Azolla filiculoides in South Africa
- Study on geographical distribution and population density of Stenopelmus rufinasus Gyllenhal, in paddy fields and aquatic ecosystems in northern Iran
- Native North AmericanAzollaWeevil,Stenopelmus rufinasus(Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Uses the Invasive Old WorldAzolla pinnataas a Host Plant
- Adults of the Waterfern Weevil,Stenopelmus rufinasusGyllenhal (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Feed on a Non-Host Plant,Salvinia minimaBaker, in Louisiana