Microlarinus
Hochhuth, I.H., 1847
puncturevine seed weevils
Species Guides
2- Microlarinus lareynii(Puncturevine seed weevil)
- Microlarinus lypriformis(Puncture vine stem weevil)
Microlarinus is a of weevils (Curculionidae) comprising at least two , M. lareynii and M. lypriformis, specialized on puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris). Both species have been introduced to North America as agents. M. lareynii attacks seeds while M. lypriformis feeds on stems. Despite their potential, establishment and impact have been variable due to climatic and biological mismatches with .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Microlarinus: /ˌmaɪkroʊˈlærɪnəs/
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Identification
The two described are distinguished by feeding site: Microlarinus lareynii develops in seeds, while M. lypriformis feeds externally on stems and branches. of both species are small weevils with the characteristic elongated snout (rostrum) of Curculionidae. Specific morphological characters separating the species are not provided in available sources.
Images
Habitat
Associated with puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) in warm, dry regions. Native range includes interior regions of Italy, France, and Rajasthan, India. Introduced occur in southern California and other parts of the United States and Canada where the plant has become .
Distribution
Native to Mediterranean Europe (interior Italy, France) and northwestern India (Rajasthan). Introduced to North America (United States and Canada) for purposes.
Seasonality
Activity tied to puncturevine ; puncturevine is a summer , suggesting weevil activity peaks during warm growing season months. Specific seasonal patterns not documented in available sources.
Diet
Specialized feeders on puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris). Microlarinus lareynii consumes seeds; Microlarinus lypriformis feeds on stems.
Host Associations
- Tribulus terrestris - obligatesole known ; seed feeding (M. lareynii) and stem feeding (M. lypriformis)
Ecological Role
agent for puncturevine, an weed that injures livestock, reduces forage quality, and damages bicycle tires. The two act as a complementary guild attacking different plant structures.
Human Relevance
Intentionally introduced to North America in the early 1960s for of puncturevine. Used in strategies, though success has been mixed and the agents remain understudied in combination with other control methods.
Similar Taxa
- Other Curculionidae biological control agentsSimilar ecological role as weed biocontrol agents, but Microlarinus are distinguished by specialization on Tribulus terrestris and the specific feeding site partitioning between co-occurring species.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- Microlarinus lypriformis and Microlarinus lareynii (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): biology and use with IPM strategies to control puncturevine
- Biology of Microlarinus lypriformis (Col.: Curculionidae) on Puncturevine in Southern California
- Biology of Microlarinus lareynii (Col.: Curculionidae) on Puncturevine in Southern California
- Notes on the Ecology and Host Specificity of Microlarinus lareynii and M. lypriformis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and the Biological Control of Puncture Vine, Tribulus terrestris