Metamasius Callizona Research Articles

Potential bottom‐up control of Metamasius callizona in Florida, USA

AbstractMetamasius callizona (Chevrolat) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an invasive weevil destroying Tillandsia utriculata L. (Bromeliaceae) populations in Florida, USA. A T. utriculata population in Belize coexists with M. callizona without adverse effects. Tillandsia utriculata and M. callizona from Belize and Florida were studied in the laboratory to determine how Belize T. utriculata can coexist with Belize M. callizona, using Florida and Belize T. utriculata, as well as pineapple, Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. (Bromeliaceae), as host plants. Florida M. callizona on pineapple leaves produced more eggs per female per day and had a shorter developmental time and pupation period, as well as a smaller adult width, than Belize M. callizona. Florida and Belize weevils did not differ significantly in rates of egg hatch, pupation, and adult emergence. Florida M. callizona laid similar numbers of eggs per day on Florida and Belize T. utriculata. Egg hatch rates were similar on pineapple and Florida and Belize T. utriculata. Pupation rates were similar on pineapple and Florida T. utriculata leaves; no larvae on Belize T. utriculata attained fourth instar. Field and laboratory observations revealed that Belize and Florida M. callizona mined Belize T. utriculata without destroying the meristem, allowing plants to survive, but Belize M. callizona destroyed the core of pineapple tops. Soluble solids were greatest in pineapple and least in Belize T. utriculata. Leaf toughness was greatest in pineapple and least in Florida T. utriculata. Metamasius callizona biology and behavior and T. utriculata plant characteristics may drive the severity of weevil damage on populations of T. utriculata. The discovery of a T. utriculata population in Belize coexisting with M. callizona offers a possible way to control M. callizona in Florida.

Modeling the Population Demographics & Viability of Imperiled Guzmania monostachia Populations

Guzmania monostachia is a large, long-lived bromeliad whose leaves grow in a rosette pattern and is native to the Americas, but endangered in Florida due to damage caused by the invasive weevil Metamasius callizona. Each G. monostachia rosette can reproduce sexually via flowers or asexually by producing clonal offshoot rosettes. We model the population dynamics and demographic structure of a G. monostachia population using a Lefkovitch matrix model where each state represents a demographic class of rosettes. Model analysis over a range of uncertain parameters show the conditions under which a G. monostachia population is viable in the absence and presence of M. callizona, and the expected demographic structure under those conditions. In particular, our analysis illustrates that proportional reductions in survival have a qualitatively stronger impact on population viability than proportion reductions in clonal fecundity.

A Demographic Model of an Endangered Florida Native Bromeliad (Tillandsia utriculata)

The large, long-lived, epiphytic bromeliad Tillandsia utriculata is currently listed as state-endangered in Florida due to significant population reduction from predation by an invasive weevil, Metamasius callizona. We have developed a novel demographic model of a population of T. utriculata in Myakka River State Park (MRSP) in Sarasota, Florida using a stage-structured matrix model. Analysis of the model revealed conditions for population viability over a variety of parameter scenarios. Model analysis showed that without weevil predation the minimum germination rate required for population viability is low (4–16%), and that given a viable population at structural equilibrium we would expect to find <1% of the population in flower or post-flowering each year and, at most, about 10% of rosettes with longest leaf length (LLL) > 15 cm in flower or post-flowering each year. Additionally, the model presented here provides a basis for further analyses which explore specific conservation strategies.

Metamasius callizona (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): Fertility and Larval Survival to the Third Instar in the Laboratory

Metamasius callizona (Chevrolat) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an invasive bromeliad-eating weevil destroying native bromeliad populations in Florida. We measured the weevil's fecundity and fertility with pineapple leaf pieces as food. Eighty percent of females that paired with males laid eggs. Average adult longevity for egg-layers was 210.6 ± 7.5 d (SE). Average adult longevity for non-egg-layers was 23.8 ± 3.8 d. Average pre-oviposition period was 26.6 ± 1.3 d. The average number of eggs per female per d laid inside the leaf was 0.4 ± 0.03 eggs, and laid outside the leaf was 0.1 ± 0.01 eggs. The number of eggs laid inside the leaf declined with age, whereas the number of eggs laid outside the leaf increased with age. Egg-laying females began dying on d 80, and continued to die regularly until 305 d after adult emergence. The hatch rate of eggs laid inside leaves was 79%. Daily hatch rate was consistently around 80%. Ninety-seven percent of the larvae that emerged from eggs laid inside leaves survived to the third instar. The hatch rate of eggs laid outside leaves was 3.9%, and no larvae survived beyond second instar.

Effect of Temperature on Growth, Reproductive Activity, and Survival of the Invasive Bromeliad-Eating WeevilMetamasius callizona(Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract Growth, oviposition, and survival rates of the bromeliad-eating weevil Metamasius callizona (Chevrolat) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) were measured at a range of temperatures to determine optimal temperature range, lower and upper development thresholds, and degree-days needed for development of immature stages. Optimal temperature range for growth was 25 to 30 °C and for oviposition 22 to 33 °C. The lower development threshold was 13 °C and upper threshold about 35 °C. Development of the egg and larval stages required 518 degree-days, and from pupation to adult 140 degree-days. Adult weevils suffered higher mortality at 35 °C than at 25 or 16 °C. Typical winter conditions likely have at most a minimal effect on weevil populations in central Florida and no effect in southern Florida. As well, high summer temperatures could potentially cause weevil mortality due to heat stupor but, as with winter temperatures, the effects would be minimal. Extremely cold winters and extremely high summer temperature...

Description of the Larval Instars ofLixadmontia franki(Diptera: Tachinidae)

We describe the larval stages of Lixadmontia franki Wood & Cave (Diptera: Tachinidae). The fly is a specialist parasitoid of bromeliad-eating weevils and a potential biological control agent for controlling an invasive bromeliad-eating weevil, Metamasius callizona (Chevrolat) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in Florida. Morphological characteristics that can be used to distinguish the instars of L. franki, including the mouth hook and cephalopharyngeal skeleton, body size and color, spinulae patterns, and presence and structure of spiracles, are described, measured, and illustrated. Fly larvae live in the host’s body cavity and attach their caudal end to the host’s tracheal tubes. The first instar builds a respiratory funnel and the second instar remains attached to the same point and builds upon the funnel. The third instar does not build upon the respiratory funnel. The third instar disconnects from the respiratory funnel shortly before exiting the host. First and second instars are metapneustic, but the third instar is amphipneustic.

Zamorano y sus Contribuciones a la Agricultura Sostenible a Través del Control Biológico de Plagas

El Centro para el Control Biológico en Centro América (CCBCA) fue creado en 1989 por la Escuela Agrícola Panamericana, financiado por la United States Agency for International Development (USAID) en Honduras. El CCBCA se enfocó en el control biológico clásico, el aumento y la conservación de enemigos naturales. En el 2000 cambió el nombre de Laboratorio de Control Biológico y se enfocó en el aprender haciendo de los estudiantes de la Escuela Agrícola Panamericana y la producción y comercialización de enemigos naturales de plagas agrícolas. El único parasitoide conocido que ataca al picudo de las bromelias (Metamasius quadrilineatus), fue encontrado en las investigaciones del CCBCA; resultó una especie nueva nombrada Lixadmontia franki que fue liberada en Florida en el 2007 para el control biológico del picudo mejicano de las bromelias (Metamasius callizona). Se determinaron los organismos parasíticos de las plagas Plutella xylostella, Mocis latipes, Spodoptera frugiperda, Leptophobia aripa y Liriomyza spp. Cuatro especies de avispas parasíticas exóticas, un baculovirus, un hongo y tres picudos fueron introducidos a Honduras para control biológico clásico: Cotesia plutellae (parasitoide asiático de P. xylostella); Diadromus collaris (parasitoide pupal de P. xylostella); Telenomus remus (parasitoide que ataca a los huevos de 30 especies de lepidópteros); una especie de Eretmocerus (originaria de India, para controlar Bemisia tabaci); los picudos Neochetina bruchi y Neochetina eichhorniae y el hongo Cercospora piaropi (para el control de la maleza acuática lirio de agua (Eichhornia crassipes); y el picudo Neohydronomous affinis (controlador biológico de la maleza acuática lechuga de agua (Pistia stratiotes). En el 2000, Zamorano cambió la estrategia del uso de control biológico y empezó a incursionar en la producción comercial de microrganismos para el control de plagas, debido a una demanda no satisfecha. Los controladores biológicos que ha producido son el hongo antagonista Trichoderma harzianum (Trichozam™) para combatir hongos en el suelo, Beauveria bassiana (Bazam™) para controlar lepidópteros y coleópteros, Lecanicillium lecanii (Verzam™) para el control de áfidos y mosca blanca, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metazam™) para el control de salivazo (Aeneolamia spp.) y larvas de coleópteros en caña de azúcar, y Purpureocillium lilacinum (Pazam™) para controlar nematodos. Además, ha reproducido y vendido la chinche depredadora Orius insidiosus para el control de trips, áfidos y mosca blanca, el ácaro depredador Neoseiulus longispinosus para el control de la arañita roja (Tetranychus spp.) y el nematodo entomófago Heterorhabditis bacteriophora para el control de insectos del suelo, especialmente contra Phyllophaga spp., Cosmopolitus sordidus, larvas de lepidóptera, picudo del camote (Cylas formicarius) y termitas en el suelo. Posiblemente, el mayor aporte es en la enseñanza de las técnicas y tecnologías del control biológico de plagas que se han distribuido por América Latina a través de los graduados de Zamorano que estudiaron y fueron entrenados en Zamorano.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v52i1.966

Loss of phytotelmata due to an invasive bromeliad-eating weevil and its potential effects on faunal diversity and biogeochemical cycles

Epiphytic tank bromeliads are important ecosystem engineers because they form phytotelmata that create habitat, increase species richness and abundance, create water sources and nutrient reservoirs in the canopy, and collect and redirect nutrients in forest ecosystems. Native bromeliad populations have been devastated in Florida (USA) because an invasive bromeliad-eating weevil (Metamasius callizona) has been destroying the plants. Tillandsia utriculata is a tank bromeliad that was once widespread from central to south Florida. Its populations have been hit hard by the weevil and are declining rapidly. This study quantifies the mortality rate caused by the weevil in a population of T. utriculata at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary in central Florida and estimates the associated loss of phytotelmata. Estimations of phytotelmata were calculated for the T. utriculata baseline population, the population at 6 months into the study when 87% of the population was destroyed, and at the end of the study when less than 3% of the bromeliad population remained (99% of all deaths were caused by the weevil). The baseline population contained 16,758 L of water. At six months, there were 3180 L, and at the end of the study, there were 408 L. The loss of phytotelmata results in the loss of habitat, a decrease in biological diversity, and altered water and nutrient cycles and availability.

Arthropods Associated withTillandsia deppeana(Bromeliaceae) from Hidalgo State, México, with Three First State Records of Coleoptera Species1

Communities of both transient and resident organisms, interacting in different ways, occur inside tanks (rosettes) of bromeliads. Abundance and composition of the communities differ seasonally. The objectives of this work were to make an initial exploration of the arthropod fauna associated with Tillandsia deppeana in order to obtain a preliminary species list, and to document the abundance of organisms occurring in the rosettes. The arthropods were collected from four plants in a fragmented mountain cloud forest in La Misión municipality, in the north of Hidalgo State, México. A total of 375 arthropod specimens (249 adults and 126 juveniles) belonging to Arachnida, Chilopoda and Hexapoda were obtained and they represent 10 orders, 15 families, and adults and juveniles correspond to 23 and 15 morphospecies respectively. Veliidae (Hemiptera) had the highest number of organisms, while Staphylinidae (Coleoptera) had the highest number of morphospecies. The dryophthorid Metamasius callizona and the staphylinids Hesperus fasciatus and Scaphidium tzinti are reported for the first time from Hidalgo State. In this work we report for the first time the chilopod Scolopendra viridis occurring in an epiphytic bromeliad tank.

Release and monitoring of a potential biological control agent, Lixadmontia franki, to control an invasive bromeliad-eating weevil, Metamasius callizona, in Florida

Metamasius callizona is an invasive bromeliad-eating weevil that has been destroying native bromeliads in Florida. A potential biological control agent, Lixadmontia franki, was released at four sites on six occasions. Five releases for each site were made throughout 2007–2008 and a 6th round of releases was made in spring 2009. Monitoring followed each release. Monitoring following the first release resulted in an F2 fly recovery which demonstrated that L. franki is capable of surviving and reproducing in Florida. Since then, no other recoveries have been made. The absence of further recoveries may be because no other flies survived to parasitize the sentinel weevil larvae, or flies did survive but either did not parasitize sentinel weevil larvae or did but the parasitism went unnoticed. Climate and elevation differences between the fly’s native range and Florida or limited nectar sources may have limited the fly’s ability to survive. Poorly located and/or too few traps or traps with less attractiveness than wild bromeliads may have caused a failure to capture flies that did survive. The loss of sentinel weevil larvae may have resulted in the loss of parasitized larvae. Recommendations are given for future release and monitoring methods.

Seasonality and abundance of Metamasius callizona (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), an invasive insect herbivore, on two species of Tillandsia (Bromeliaceae) in Florida

Seasonality and abundance of an insect herbivore population are regulated by a complex array of forces from the bottom up, from the top down, and from competition and the environment. This paper examines the effect that two host plants have on an insect herbivore in the absence of top‐down regulation or competition. Metamasius callizona is an invasive bromeliad‐eating weevil in south Florida that has escaped its natural parasitoid in its home range. A 4‐year field study shows the weevil to be present and active year‐round, but to exhibit different patterns of seasonality and abundance on two of its host plants. It is argued that this demographic variability is generated by the differences in leaf type and growth habit that exist between the two host plants.

Potential Biodiversity Loss in Florida Bromeliad Phytotelmata due to Metamasius callizona (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), an Invasive Species

Abstract An annotated list of the aquatic invertebrates inhabiting water impounded in the leaf axils of Florida’s native epiphytic bromeliads is provided. Of the 22 species reported, 9 are yet undescribed. Of the 13 described species, 10 are believed to be native. Five of the native species and perhaps all of the undescribed species are precinctive (“endemic”). These invertebrate animals and their bromeliad host plants are at risk of extinction due to destruction of the host plants by Metamasius callizona (Chevrolat) (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), an invasive weevil.

Longevity and Fecundity of Metamasius quadrilineatus Champion (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) on a Natural Bromeliad Host in the Laboratory

Abstract The bromeliad-eating weevil Metamasius quadrilineatus Champion is the native host of the tachinid Lixadmontia franki Wood and Cave, which is being studied as a candidate biological control agent of the Mexican bromeliad weevil, Metamasius callizona (Chevrolat), a pest of native bromeliads in Florida. Information on the reproductive biology of M. quadrilineatus was gathered in order to produce sufficient quantities of the weevil and L. franki for biological and non-target testing studies. Longevity, fecundity, and egg viability of M. quadrilineatus females on Catopsis hahnii (Baker) were studied under laboratory conditions at 21°C temperature, 70% relative humidity, and a 12 ∶ 12 hr light:dark photoperiod. Females lived an average of 17.0 ± 1.3 weeks (range = 3–29 weeks). Survivorship decreased significantly starting in week 11 and reached 48% in week 19. Females initiated oviposition 3.3 ± 0.2 weeks (mean ± standard error) after emergence. In total, 593 eggs were produced by 30 caged females in...

Biology of <I>Metamasius mosieri</I> (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), with a Description of Larval and Pupal Stages

Abstract The biology of the bromeliad-eating weevil Metamasius mosieri Barber (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) was studied under laboratory conditions of 25°C, 50–60% RH, and a photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D) h. Mean duration of the egg, larval, and pupal stages was 8.2, 59.6, and 9.7 d, respectively. Mean adult longevity was 36.1 wk for females and 50.2 wk for males. Females produced on average 39.2 eggs during their lifetime. The larval and pupal stages are described, and characters for distinguishing the pupae of M. mosieri and Metamasius callizona (Chevrolat) are contrasted and illustrated. Oviposition behavior is described. The weevil is known to be present in 13 south Florida counties.

METAMASIUS CALLIZONA (COLEOPTERA: DRYOPHTHORIDAE): LONGEVITY AND FECUNDITY IN THE LABORATORY

Metamasius callizona (Chevrolat) is native to southern Mexico and Guatemala. It was detected in Broward County, Florida, in 1989 and has spread to 20 counties in southern Florida, where it devastates populations of native epiphytic bromeliads and also attacks cultivated bromeliads. Larvae mine into stems of larger bromeliads, killing them. New data were obtained at ≈25°C and a photoperiod of 14:10 L:D to optimize cultures of this insect to serve as hosts for the production of biological control agents. After pairing with males, it took an average of 28.9 d (±17.8, range 8-89 d) for females to begin laying eggs; thereafter, each female laid eggs for the remainder of her life, or within just a few days of her death. The total duration of life of 75 ovipositing females averaged 156.4 d (±96.7, range 26-387 d); their lifetime egg production averaged 39.6 eggs (±40.0, range 2-188 eggs).

DESCRIPTION OF A NEW GENUS AND SPECIES OF WEEVIL PARASITOID FROM HONDURAS (DIPTERA: TACHINIDAE)

Lixadmontia franki, new genus and new species, is described in the Blondeliini (Diptera: Tachinidae). This parasitic fly attacks the larvae of the weevil Metamasius quadrilineatus Champion which infests bromeliads in tropical montane cloud forests of Honduras, and it is a potential biological control agent of the bromeliad-eating weevil Metamasius callizona (Chevrolat) in Florida. It is most similar to members of the genera Admontia and Lixophaga. A key to the species of Admontia and Lixadmontia in North and Central America is given. Admontia dubia Curran is placed in synonymy with Admontia pollinosa Curran new synonymy.

The Conflicting Values and Differing Priorities of Biological Control

The Conflicting Values and Differing Priorities of Biological Control

Development of Metamasius callizona (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on Pineapple Stems

In the laboratory at 26°C and 14:10 L:D, female Metamasius callizona (Chevrolat) oviposited in pocket-shaped slits that they cut in pineapple leaves. Eggs were 1.98 × 0.97 mm and incubation averaged 8.3 d at 82% RH. On a diet of pineapple stem, 5 larval instars averaged 37.4 d to develop to the pupa. The pupal stage averaged 11.8 d, and the pupal weight averaged 0.12 g. Development from oviposition to adult emergence took about 8 wk.

Mexican Bromeliad Weevil (no official common name), Metamasius callizona (Chevrolat) (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Dryophthorinae)

Metamasius callizona (Chevrolat) has no official common name but has been referred to as the "Evil Weevil" by bromeliad enthusiasts throughout Florida, as a result of the destruction it has caused to native populations of bromeliads in the southern portion of the state. A member of the weevil subfamily Rhynchophorinae, it is one of three species of the genus Metamasius present in Florida. Metamasius mosieri Barber, the smallest of the three and native to Florida, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, has been collected in Florida infrequently. Unlike M. callizona, its presence does not threaten populations of native bromeliads in Florida's natural areas. The third species, Metamasius hemipterus (L.), was first reported in Florida in Miami-Dade County in 1984 and has since become an important pest of sugarcane, bananas, and ornamental palms. This document is EENY-161, one of a series of Featured Creatures from the Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Published: October 2000. 
 EENY161/IN318: Mexican Bromeliad Weevil (suggested common name), Metamasius callizona (Chevrolat) (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae) (ufl.edu)

Florida Bromeliad Weevil (no official common name), Metamasius mosieri Barber (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Dryophthorinae)

The Florida bromeliad weevil is an occasional and minor pest on ornamental bromeliads and occurs at very low population densities in its natural habitat. It should not be confused with the Mexican bromeliad weevil, Metamasius callizona, which is currently attacking five species of native bromeliads in 16 counties and will likely destroy populations of six additional species of already-threatened or endangered bromeliads if not brought under control. This document is EENY-209, one of a series of Featured Creatures from the Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Published: May 2001. 
 EENY-209/IN366: Florida Bromeliad Weevil (suggested common name), Metamasius mosieri Barber (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae) (ufl.edu)