Biology of Anthonomus testaceosquamosus Linell, 1897 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): A New Pest of Tropical Hibiscus

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Although native to northeastern Mexico and southern Texas, the hibiscus bud weevil (HBW), Anthonomus testaceosquamosus Linell 1897, was recently discovered infesting hibiscus in south Florida in 2017. During outbreak events, HBW feeding on hibiscus buds has been found to significantly affect the marketability of the crop. Therefore, it is vital that an integrated pest management (IPM) program be developed for this pest in order to mitigate the economic loss to the hibiscus industry of south Florida. However, a comprehensive understanding of the HBW’s biology is critical to the development of such a program. In this study, we sought to determine how temperature and diet affect the life history of the HBW. Four temperatures were tested 10, 15, 27 and 34 °C. Life cycle completion was found to only occur at 27 °C, but weevils developed equally as fast on hibiscus buds as on an artificial diet. Adult HBW could survive solely on pollen, but reproduction did not occur. Without water at 27 °C, HBW survived for ≈15 days; survival times reached nearly 30 days when water was accessible. Our results suggest that if left unmanaged, the HBW may cause significant economic damage to the hibiscus industry. We provide a foundation for future research endeavors that aim to better manage this weevil in south Florida. 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.