Abstract
The mature larva of Sciaphilus asperatus is redescribed and illustrated, and the pupa is described for the first time. Supplements to the identification keys for larvae and pupae of selected Palaearctic Entiminae genera and species are given. Data on the life history, especially oviposition capacity and voltinism, of S. asperatus are provided and discussed, and the number of the six larval instars was confirmed. The economic importance of S. asperatus is briefly highlighted.
Highlights
Adults readily fed on a great number of plant species from more than 15 families (Willis 1964; Dieckmann 1980; Burakowski et al 1993; Sprick and Stüben 2012), many of which may be host plants
Willis (1964) reported only two cases of severe damage in commercial strawberry cultivations in Northern Ireland and concluded: “From the limited data available it appears probable that severe damage to strawberry plants by larvae of S. asperatus occurs infrequently in Northern Ireland and tends to be associated with areas of light, well-drained soil.”
Larva and pupa are integrated in current determination keys
Summary
Willis (1964) reported only two cases of severe damage in commercial strawberry cultivations in Northern Ireland and concluded: “From the limited data available it appears probable that severe damage to strawberry plants by larvae of S. asperatus occurs infrequently in Northern Ireland and tends to be associated with areas of light, well-drained soil.” Alford (1999) restricted the potential economic importance to strawberries: “Weevils from related genera [other than Otiorhynchus] (e.g. Exomias Bedel, 1883 and Sciaphilus) are of pest status, e.g. on strawberry.” Sprick and Stüben (2012), who studied the soil-dwelling weevil fauna of many tree nurseries, garden centres and parks in Germany, ranked this species in the category of minor economic importance: “Species that usually rarely cause damage”. On the basis of head measurements, Willis (1964) reported the presence of six larval instars in S. asperatus
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