No abstract

Originating in northeastern Mexico and southern Texas, the hibiscus bud weevil (HBW), Anthonomus testaceosquamosus Linell 1897, was discovered infesting China rose hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.) in south Florida in May 2017. Although the biologies of the congeneric boll weevil, A. grandis Boheman 1843, and pepper weevil, A. eugenii Cano 1894 are well documented, no data are available regarding the biology of HBW. Here, we present a comprehensive study on the biology of this pest when reared at 10, 15, 27 and 34 °C and on different food sources. This weevil has three larval instars and its life cycle was completed only at 27 ± 1 °C. Weevil development was similar on an artificial diet when compared with a diet of hibiscus buds. Adult HBW could survive solely on pollen, but reproduction did not occur. Without water, HBW survived for ≈15 days; survival times reached nearly 30 days when water was accessible. Our results suggest that if left unmanaged, HBW has the potential to cause significant economic damage to the hibiscus industry. Given that a comprehensive understanding of a pest’s biology is critical for development of effective integrated pest management, our results provide a foundation for future research endeavors to mitigate the impact of this weevil in south Florida.

This EDIS publication is an alternate version of a page published first on the Featured Creatures website. The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This 5-page fact sheet that discusses Baeoentedon balios was written by Muhammad Z. Ahmed, Yisell Velazquez Hernandez, Antonio Francis, Gregory Evans, Eric Rohrig, Lance Osborne, and Catharine Mannion, and published by the UF Entomology and Nematology Department, March 2017. EENY-676/IN1169: Balios Eulophid Baeoentedon balios Wang, Huang & Polaszek (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) (ufl.edu)

A profile of the hibiscus bud weevil intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. The hibiscus bud weevil, a pest of China rose hibiscus, originates from northeastern Mexico and southern Texas and can cause large economic losses to hibiscus growers. This fact sheet provides nursery owners, homeowners, and other interested people with information on this serious pest.

El picudo del botón del hibisco es una plaga originaria de México y de Texas, visto en Florida por primera vez en 2017. El incremento de las poblaciones del picudo entre 2019 y 2020 impactó negativamente la industria del hibisco en Florida, resultando en grandes pérdidas económicas (el estado lidera la producción nacional). Esta plaga está regulada por la División de Industria Vegetal del Departamento de Agricultura y Servicios al Consumidor, que establece que cualquier vivero que lo detecte debe seguir un acuerdo para reducir probabilidades de dispersión. El propósito de este documento es proveer información acerca de esta importante plaga a productores de viveros y al público interesado.