Anthonomus testaceosquamosus

Linell, M.L., 1897

hibiscus bud weevil

Anthonomus testaceosquamosus, commonly known as the hibiscus bud weevil, is a small curculionid weevil native to northeastern Mexico and southern Texas. The was first detected as an pest in south Florida in May 2017, where it infests China rose hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) in ornamental production systems. It has three larval instars and completes its only at 27±1°C. The species is now regulated in Florida due to significant economic damage to the hibiscus industry.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anthonomus testaceosquamosus: /ænˈθɒnəməs tɛˌstæsiˌəskwəˈmoʊsəs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Small weevil approximately 4 mm in length. Females oviposit inside hibiscus flower buds near the anthers, leaving characteristic feeding and oviposition holes. Larval development occurs entirely within the bud. can be distinguished from similar Anthonomus by association with hibiscus and geographic origin.

Habitat

Tropical and subtropical ornamental production systems, particularly nurseries cultivating hibiscus. Laboratory rearing studies indicate optimal conditions at 27±1°C, 12:12 hour light:dark cycle, and 60% relative humidity.

Distribution

Native to northeastern Mexico and southern Texas. Introduced and established in south Florida (first detected May 2017 in Homestead area, Miami-Dade County).

Diet

Larvae feed on pollen inside hibiscus flower buds. feed on hibiscus buds and pollen; can survive on pollen alone but cannot reproduce without access to hibiscus buds.

Host Associations

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis - primary China rose hibiscus; required for
Malvaceae - -level rangeMultiple within documented

Life Cycle

Three larval instars. are oviposited inside hibiscus buds near anthers. Larvae remain within the bud until adulthood. completion occurs only at 27±1°C; development fails at 10°C, 15°C, and 34°C. Development time similar on artificial diet compared to natural hibiscus buds.

Behavior

can survive approximately 15 days without water and nearly 30 days with water access at 27°C. Heavy cause flower bud drop, reducing plant marketability.

Ecological Role

Economic pest of ornamental hibiscus industry in Florida. Significant threat to hibiscus production requiring regulatory compliance agreements for interstate shipping. Subject to research using Jaliscoa hunteri, which suppresses through feeding rather than .

Human Relevance

Regulated pest in Florida causing economic damage to ornamental hibiscus growers. Subject to research including evaluation of (diflubenzuron, pyrethrins, spinetoram plus sulfoxaflor, spirotetramat) and for control.

Similar Taxa

Anthonomus grandisCongeneric boll weevil with well-documented ; distinguished by association with cotton rather than hibiscus
Anthonomus eugeniiCongeneric pepper weevil with documented ; distinguished by association with pepper crops

More Details

Temperature Requirements

Laboratory studies demonstrate strict thermal requirements for development: completion only at 27±1°C, with complete failure at 10°C, 15°C, and 34°C. This narrow range may limit geographic spread.

Biological Control

Jaliscoa hunteri (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) has been evaluated as a potential biocontrol agent. feeding by this causes high mortality of HBW , first instar larvae, and pupae, though itself is rarely observed.

Chemical Control

Pyrethrins demonstrated efficacy in greenhouse experiments, significantly reducing feeding/oviposition holes and larval numbers in flower buds compared to water-treated controls.