Abstract
Litodactylus leucogaster (Marsham), a holarctic weevil species, fed upon emersed flower spikes of Eurasian watermilfoil ( Myriophyllum spicatum L.). Adults readily entered the water when disturbed and survived forced submersion for 8 to 24 h. Fecundity ranged from 405 to 684 eggs per female, and females oviposited mostly in ovaries, buds, or stem excavations of emersed flower spikes. Neonatant larvae fed within the ovaries or buds, but older larvae fed externally on the flowers or stems. The three instars were differentiated by head capsule width. The cocoon was formed in an excavation in a submersed stem. Developmental times were: eggs, 3 to 4 days; larvae, 7 to 8 days; prepupae, 3 days; pupae, 2 to 4 days; and teneral adults, 1 to 3 days. The North American distribution and the adult and immature stages of L. leucogaster are illustrated.
Published Version
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