Gonipterus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in subtropical Australia: host associations and natural enemies

Abstract

Gonipterus is a genus of defoliating weevils that causes significant impact in commercially grown eucalypts in their native range in southern Australia and as invasive pests in Western Australia and several countries overseas. The diversity of species in this genus is still in the process of discovery, and in subtropical Australia, its diversity and ecological parameters are largely unknown. We surveyed Gonipterus phenology, species composition and trophic associations in South East Queensland, where little has been recorded about this genus. Surveys were conducted once a month in a non-commercial plantation of native eucalypts, where three species of trees were sampled regularly and others checked on an ad hoc basis. On each sampling occasion, adult weevils, larvae and egg capsules were collected, adults identified, larvae reared and egg capsules individualized in small containers for emergence of larvae and parasitoids. Two peaks of egg-laying occurred, whereas numbers of adults and larvae had only one peak each. Six species of Gonipterus were collected: two described but in need of revision, two undescribed but previously recognized and two undescribed and hitherto unrecognized, each with a different pattern of host–tree association. Three egg-parasitoid species, Anaphes nitens, Centrodora damoni and Euderus sp. were reared from egg capsules, varying in prevalence according to the tree species from which the eggs were collected.