Phenological synchrony of Eustenopus villosus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) with Centaurea solstitialis in Idaho

Abstract

The phenological synchrony of Eustenopus villosus (Boheman) with its host, yellow starthistle, Centaurea solstitialis L. (Asteraceae: Cardueae), was studied in Idaho in 1995 and 1996. Field plots were observed for adult weevil activity periodically throughout the growing season, and yellow starthistle capitula were examined for adult feeding damage, oviposition damage, and larval development. At the study site, weevil phenology was well synchronized with C. solstitialis. Immature capitula, fed upon by adults, were abundant when E. villosus began to emerge in late May. During both years, the number of weevils and capitula increased throughout June. Adult females fed on capitula for about 2 wk. Weevil ovary dissections revealed that ovaries were mature after a 2-wk period of feeding. The development of mature capitula during late July corresponded to the initiation of oviposition. Eustenopus villosus, unique among the phytophages introduced for C. solstitialis biological control, attacks four plant stages resulting in observable impact to buds. Damaged buds either died or became distorted. Weevil feeding damage on young and mature capitula may make this insect a highly effective control agent.