Strawberry Bud Weevil
Anthonomus signatus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Curculionoidea
- Family: Curculionidae
- Subfamily: Curculioninae
- Tribe: Anthonomini
- Genus: Anthonomus
- Species: signatus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Anthonomus signatus: /ænˈθɒnəməs sɪɡˈneɪtəs/
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Summary
Anthonomus signatus, commonly known as the strawberry bud weevil or clipper, is a significant agricultural pest of strawberries and raspberries in North America, known for its distinctive feeding and reproductive habits that cause damage to flower buds.
Physical Characteristics
Adulthood ranges from 2.0-3.0 mm in size, often brown to black with a large dark spot on each elytron, but coloration is variable and spots may be absent.
Identification Tips
Look for the size (about 1/8 of an inch) and distinctive coloration, including copper back with white stripes. Presence of severed flower buds can indicate infestation.
Habitat
Native to North America, commonly found in areas where host plants like strawberries and raspberries are cultivated.
Distribution
Found in Eastern North America including Texas, Florida, Quebec, and North Dakota.
Diet
Primarily feeds on the pollen of host plants such as strawberries and other members of the Rosaceae family.
Life Cycle
Females lay up to 75 eggs per season directly on flower buds and later sever the buds from the plant as a part of their egg-laying behavior.
Reproduction
Reproduction involves female laying eggs on flower buds of host plants.
Ecosystem Role
Plays a role as a pest affecting strawberry crop yields, impacting both agriculture and local ecosystems.
Economic Impact
Considered a significant pest for strawberry and raspberry crops, leading to potential crop damage and economic losses.
Collecting Methods
- Light traps
- Hand collection from host plants
- Sticky traps
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Drying and mounting on pins
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often confused with other weevils that target similar plant species or other pests in the strawberry cultivation area.
Tags
- weevil
- pest
- strawberry
- north america
- agriculture
- insect