Hypera postica

From Pestinfo-Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search

Literature database
149 articles sorted by:
year (descending)
research topics
countries/regions
host plants
list of natural enemies
Hypera postica (click on image to enlarge it)
Author(s): Joseph Berger
Source: IPM Images

Hypera postica (Gyllenhal, 1813) - (alfalfa weevil)

The weevil is native to Europe and neighbouring regions. It has been recorded from North America since 1904 and from Japan since 1982. It attacks alfalfa and other legume plants (like birdsfoot trefoil and vetches) and is particularly damaging to seed crops.

Eggs are laid into the stem of an alfalfa plant. The 1st and 2nd instar larvae feed inside the terminal shoot while the last 2 stages feed on the leaves. Eventually they construct a cocoon at the base of the plant for pupation. The adults are around 5-7 mm long, basically light brown with a broad, central dark brown stripe running along the back that narrows on the elytra.

Vernacular names
• Deutsch: Luzerneblattnager
• English: alfalfa weevil
lucerne weevil
• Español: gorgojo de la alfalfa
gusano verde
• Français: phytonome variable
charançon de la luzerne
phytonome de la luzerne

Synonyms:
Phytonomus postica
Hypera variabilis

For reviews of this pest see Pellissier et al. (2017) and the BugwoodWiki.