Anthonomus grandis thurberiae
Pierce, 1913
Thurberia weevil, cotton boll weevil (Thurberia form)
thurberiae is a of the cotton , described by Pierce in 1913. It is distinguished from the nominate subspecies A. g. grandis primarily by its plant association with wild cotton relatives, particularly Thurberia thespesioides, rather than cultivated cotton. The subspecies occurs in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is treated in some literature as a distinct entity but is now generally regarded as part of the broader A. grandis .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Anthonomus grandis thurberiae: //ænˈθɒnəməs ˈɡrændɪs ˌθɜːrˈbeəri.aɪ//
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Identification
Distinguished from the nominate A. g. grandis by plant association and subtle morphological differences, though specific diagnostic traits are not well documented in available sources. The two subspecies are not reliably separable by external alone.
Habitat
Associated with wild cotton relatives, particularly Thurberia thespesioides, in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Distribution
Southwestern United States (Arizona, possibly adjacent areas) and northwestern Mexico (Sonora). The range is more restricted than that of A. g. grandis and does not overlap significantly with major cotton-growing regions.
Diet
Larval development occurs within the flower buds and fruits of plants, primarily Thurberia thespesioides. feed on vegetative and reproductive tissues of the same host .
Host Associations
- Thurberia thespesioides - primary Wild cotton relative; principal distinguishing this from A. g. grandis
- Gossypium - secondary Cultivated cotton; occasionally attacked but not primary
Life Cycle
Complete with , larval, pupal, and stages. Larvae develop within flower buds and fruits of plants, feeding on developing seeds and tissues. occurs within the host structure or in soil.
Human Relevance
Minor agricultural significance compared to A. g. grandis due to restricted distribution and primary association with wild plants rather than cultivated cotton. Occasionally implicated in damage to cotton in border regions where host ranges overlap.
Similar Taxa
- Anthonomus grandis grandisNominate ; differs in primary association (cultivated cotton vs. Thurberia thespesioides) and geographic distribution, but not reliably separable by alone.
- Anthonomus grandis aggregate; A. g. thurberiae is treated as a within this broader concept, though some historical treatments considered it distinct.
More Details
Taxonomic status
The was originally described based on plant association and subtle morphological differences. Modern treatments generally retain it as a valid subspecies, though its practical distinction from A. g. grandis is limited given the lack of reliable morphological characters and the plasticity of host use in the .
Historical significance
Recognition of A. g. thurberiae as distinct from the cotton-feeding helped early understanding of the 's range and potential origins, though the nominate remains the economically important form.