Developmental Biology and Identification of a Garden Pest, Otiorhynchus (Podoropelmus) smreczynskii Cmoluch, 1968 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae), with Comments on Its Origin and Distribution

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The taxonomic status of O. smreczynskii Cmol., 1968 as a valid species was finally confirmed on the basis of the results of molecular, morphological and anatomical studies. An urban species, with a distribution closely associated with human activities, this weevil is regarded as a pest of gardens and ornamental plants. The set of characters used for its identification is provided. The structure of the female genitalia turned out to be useful for differentiating the sister species O. smreczynskii and O. rotundus. The entire life cycle, morphology of immatures and phenology of O. smreczynskii were examined in detail both in the laboratory and in the field. Host plants are listed and the unique feeding signs of O. smreczynskii are illustrated. The revised distributions of O. smreczynskii and O. rotundus show that the bisexual O. rotundus is being displaced by the parthenogenetic O. smreczynskii. The hypothetical origin of O. smreczynskii given here is based on the natural distribution of its host plants. ABSTRACT: The mature larva and pupa of Otiorhynchus smreczynskii are described and illustrated with complete chaetotaxy for the first time. Five larval instars and the factors for larval growth are determined, and the larval development of this species is comprehensively described. In order to confirm species affiliation, selected larvae were subjected to genetic analysis (mtCOI). Host plants and unique feeding signs of some Entiminae species are presented, and all available data on development are documented and interpreted. Additionally, the morphometry of 78 specimens (48 of O. smreczynskii and 30 of O. rotundus) was examined in order to verify the usefulness of morphological features in distinguishing both species. The female genitalia of both species are illustrated, described and compared with each other for the first time. Finally, the updated distribution of O. smreczynskii is given, and a possible origin of O. smreczynskii and O. rotundus is proposed.