Donus

Jekel, 1865

Species Guides

1

A of true weevils in the tribe Hyperini, first described by Jekel in 1865. within this genus are associated with specific plants and have been documented as agricultural pests on cultivated medicinal and aromatic crops. At least one species, Donus proximus, was transferred from the genus Brachypera.

Clover Leaf Weevil - Donus zoilus, Dans Mountain State Park, Lonaconing, Maryland by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.Clover Leaf Weevil (24166761073) by Mark Nenadov. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Donus: //ˈdo.nus//

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Identification

Molecular identification using partial oxidase subunit I (COI) sequencing has been demonstrated to differentiate Donus intermedius from other in the . Larval stages can be identified using this molecular method.

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Habitat

Submontane mountain ranges; cultivated agricultural areas including plantations of medicinal and aromatic plants.

Distribution

Documented from northern Portugal (Iberian Peninsula) and South Tyrol (northern Italy).

Seasonality

and larvae observed in spring (March–May period in South Tyrol).

Host Associations

  • Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) - pestFirst reported association; causes feeding damage on leaves in cultivated plantations
  • Erica umbellata (doldenblütiges Heidekraut) - plantFirst known plant association for Hyperinae with Ericaceae; confirmed through rearing

Life Cycle

Larval and pupal stages develop within plant tissues; larvae and pupae have been successfully reared to adulthood in laboratory conditions. Cocoon stage documented in at least one .

Ecological Role

Agricultural pest on cultivated medicinal and aromatic plants; herbivore with specific plant associations.

Human Relevance

Economic pest on lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) cultivations in South Tyrol, causing feeding damage to leaves.

Similar Taxa

  • BrachyperaDonus proximus was transferred from Brachypera to Donus (comb. nov.), indicating historical taxonomic confusion between these

Sources and further reading