Mecinus pascuorum

(Gyllenhal, 1813)

plantain weevil

Mecinus pascuorum is a true weevil in the Curculionidae, commonly known as the plantain weevil. Native to the Palaearctic region, it has been introduced to New Zealand where it has become a regular post-harvest contaminant of kiwifruit. The is associated with narrow leaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata) as its primary plant. In New Zealand, it completes one per year with a brief stage and a long-lived stage of approximately 11 months.

Mecinus pascuorum 40504297 by William Brockelsby. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Mecinus pascuorum 56779873 by Jaco Grundling. Used under a CC0 license.

Mecinus pascuorum - Guelph, Ontario by Ryan Hodnett. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Mecinus pascuorum: /mɛˈkɪnʊs pɑˈskwɔrʊm/

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

Identification

Distinguished from other Mecinus by morphological characters of the rostrum, terminalia, and overall habitus. A taxonomic key to Palaearctic Mecinus species is available in the revision by Caldara and Korotyaev (2010). are small weevils typical of the , with the characteristic elongated snout of Curculionidae.

Images

Habitat

Associated with narrow leaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata) in grassland and meadow . In New Zealand, found in kiwifruit orchards, shelterbelts, and adjacent areas with plantain. overwinter in crevices in tree and vine bark, coarse shelterbelt litter, and foliage.

Distribution

Native to the Palaearctic region (Europe, North Africa, Asia). Introduced to New Zealand, where it is established in the North Island, particularly in South Auckland kiwifruit-growing regions. Also recorded from North America.

Seasonality

In New Zealand: active from October to mid-September. Light trap captures from October to mid-November. Peak abundance on narrow leaf plantain in early November. Newly emerged adults appear from late December, with majority emerging in January. Adults found in kiwifruit from late January until at least March.

Diet

Larvae feed internally on narrow leaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata) seed . may feed on plant tissues, though specific adult diet not documented.

Host Associations

Plantago lanceolata - primary narrow leaf plantain; larval development occurs in seed
Actinidia deliciosa - contaminantkiwifruit; found in fruit post-harvest, not a true pest

Life Cycle

One per year (). stage lasts approximately 2 months. stage lasts about 11 months. laid throughout November. Larval development occurs within plantain seed . New adults emerge from late December through January, dispersing by .

Behavior

are capable of and disperse from plantain to sites in bark crevices and litter. Attracted to light traps. Adults seek shelter in protected locations during winter months.

Ecological Role

Herbivore specializing on Plantago lanceolata. In New Zealand, acts as a passenger pest in kiwifruit production—present in harvested fruit without causing economic damage to the crop itself.

Human Relevance

Considered a contaminant pest in New Zealand kiwifruit industry. found in kiwifruit post-harvest can result in rejected export shipments due to regulations. No direct damage to kiwifruit vines or fruit; presence is incidental to proximity of plantain .

Similar Taxa

Mecinus speciescongeneric weevils in the Palaearctic region; require examination of rostrum, terminalia, and other morphological characters for accurate identification
Gymnetron specieshistorically confused with Mecinus; several transferred between ; distinguished by phylogenetic and morphological analysis