Anthonomus rubi
Strawberry blossom weevil ( Anthonomus rubi )
The strawberry blossom weevil ( Anthonomus rubi ) is a beetle of the family of weevils ( Curculionidae ).
Features
The strawberry blossom weevil is about two to four millimeters long weevil. Its body surface is black or dark brown and slightly metallic luster and has a thinning gray hair on. The probes that target in the first third of the snout are dark reddish brown, and end in dark clubs. The legs are also hairy dark and light. The elytra are distinctly striped and fitted with large dots.
Synonyms
In addition to a variety of generic synonyms some synonyms for the type exist:
- Curculio ater Marsham, 1802
- Anthonomus gracilipes Desbrochers, 1873
- Anthonomus leptopus Gozis, 1881
- Curculio melanopterus Marsham, 1802
- Anthonomus obscurus Stephens, 1831
- Anthonomus uniformis Faust, 1890
Way of life
The adult beetles overwinter and collect pollen in spring first. The females of strawberry flowers engraver lay individual eggs in the flower buds of rose family ( Rosaceae ). Here, the first female bites a hole in the bud and gnaws later with the stem of the bud. After a short time the bud is wilted and falls off. The larva eats in the bud and then pupates therein. After pupation, the finished beetle leaves the bud through a lateral opening. The beetle then eats petals and embarks soon in a summer rest.
Occurrence
The strawberry blossom weevil is found in strawberries, raspberries and rarely also on roses carnations Wurzen and blackberries. Sometimes it is also found on composite flowers. The beetle is widespread in the Palaearctic. In the north you can find him into middle Fennoscandia, also in the British Isles it occurs.
Pest
The strawberry blossom weevil occurs occasionally as a pest in strawberry crops in appearance. As a countermeasure, only the regular Absammeln the dried flower buds has been proven. Immediately after completion of the harvest it is recommended to spray with Rainfarntee.