Anthonomus signatus
Say, 1831
strawberry bud weevil, clipper
Anthonomus signatus, commonly known as the or 'clipper,' is a small weevil native to North America and a significant agricultural pest of strawberry and raspberry crops. measure approximately 3 mm (1/8 inch) and display distinctive , black, and white striping. The derives its 'clipper' from the female's of severing flower buds from plants after deposition. It has been documented causing severe economic damage, with up to 55% bud injury observed in raspberry plantings in some years.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Anthonomus signatus: /ænˈθɒnəməs sɪɡˈneɪtəs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
are distinguished from similar Anthonomus by the combination of small size (~3 mm), and black-and-white striped coloration, and association with strawberry or raspberry flower buds. The 'clipper' refers to the diagnostic of severing buds after oviposition, which can be used to distinguish active . White sticky traps have been identified as the most accurate scouting method for detecting adult in the field.
Images
Habitat
Agricultural crop fields, specifically strawberry and raspberry plantings. The is associated with cultivated berry crops rather than wild .
Distribution
Native to North America. Documented across Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan) and the United States (Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin).
Seasonality
Active during late spring and early summer, with scouting conducted during this period in northeastern U.S. raspberry plantings.
Diet
feed on pollen of plants. Larvae develop within flower buds.
Host Associations
- Fragaria ananassa - primary Strawberry is the primary ; major pest of strawberry crops.
- Rubus spp. - Raspberry is a documented ; causes significant damage with no yield compensation observed in Killarney red raspberries.
Behavior
Females lay on flower buds and then sever the bud from the plant, a that gives rise to the 'clipper.' Each female can lay up to 75 eggs per season. are pollen feeders on their plants.
Ecological Role
Agricultural pest causing economic damage to berry crops. Research has demonstrated that clipped buds result in significantly lower fruit yield with little or no compensation in raspberry, and reduced mean berry size when primary or secondary buds are damaged.
Human Relevance
Significant economic pest of strawberry and raspberry production in North America. Management requires strategies including scouting with white sticky traps. The is to northeastern U.S. raspberry crops relative to its historical distribution.
Similar Taxa
- Anthonomus rubiAlso known as strawberry blossom weevil; similar and associations may cause confusion, though distinct .
More Details
Population Monitoring
White sticky traps have been identified as the most accurate method for scouting in agricultural settings.
Damage Thresholds
Research in Maine documented up to 55% bud damage in 2004 and 22% in 2005 in raspberry plantings, indicating potential for severe levels.