Figure 1. Lateral dorsal and ventral views of Listronotus bonariensis (Kuschel).
Scale bar =1 mm Image © Fera
Argentine stem weevil
Listronotus bonariensis (Kuschel)
Background
The Argentine stem weevil Listronotus bonariensis (Kuschel) (Coleoptera:
Curculionidae) is an II/A1 EU listed quarantine pest of pasture grasses and cereals
that is native to South America. It has since spread across the Pacific region and is
most notably a pest in New Zealand having first been detected there in the late
1920’s. In early 2010 a number of dead adult specimens were detected in a grass
seed mixture. The mixture contained seed from three different geographical sources
including Lolium perrene seed that had originated in New Zealand and this was
considered to be the most likely origin of the beetles. Later in 2010 a visual check
of a consignment of Trifolium repens seed again from New Zealand found
considerable numbers of dead L. bonariensis, although T. repens is not a host for
L. bonariensis. Between March and July 2011 there were a further 8 interceptions
of L. bonariensis, from New Zealand, four of which were associated with Lolium
perrene seed.
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Figure 2 Elytra covered in waxy scales and stiff
upright hairs (arrowed)
Figure 3. Stripes on the thorax formed by pale
scales
Figure 4. A rubbed specimen of L. bonariensis Figure 5. L. bonariensis amongst Lolium sp.
seeds
The waxy scales and hairs are easily rubbed-off and are often missing from specimens (Fig. 4). This
could potentially lead to specimens being overlooked. In addition there are other small brown weevils,
some with scales that may be mistaken for Listronotus in the field.
Geographical Distribution
Native to South America including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay, and has been
introduced into Australia and New Zealand.
Host Plants
Various grasses, most notably important pasture species such as L. perrene (perennial ryegrass)
L. multiflorum (Italian ryegrass) but also Anthoxanthum puelii, Agrostis capillaris, Cyanosurus cristatus,
Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Phleum pratense, Poa sp.. Zea mays (Maize) is a significant host
for this beetle and it has also been recorded from other cereals including Avena sp. (Oats), Hordeum
spp. (Barley) and Triticum spp. (Wheat). Listronotus bonariensis is on occasion recorded as an
incidental in a variety of legume and crucifer seeds moving in trade.
Description and Detection
To the naked eye adults of this species are rather small unremarkable brown weevils that measures 3
mm in length by 1.5 mm in width (Fig. 1) Their most distinctive feature is the brown cuticle which
bears a mixture of small circular, flattened waxy scales that vary from white to dark brown in colour
and short, stiff upright brown hairs (Fig. 2). The thorax appears to have three longitudinal pale stripes,
one central and two lateral and these are formed by lines of the pale waxy scales (Fig. 3).
Thus far L. bonariensis has only been detected as dead adults specimens in consignments of seeds
shipped from New Zealand, and in particular grass seed of the genus Lolium. Adult beetles are of a
comparable in size to these seeds and so cannot be separated by sieving (Fig. 5). It has been found
that the most effective method of detection is to spread small quantity (50g) of seeds over a white tray
and to then remove any suspected specimens and check them using a hand lens or dissecting
microscope.
Biology, Damage and Control
The following is based on the wealth of data generated by workers in the southern hemisphere and in
particular New Zealand.
Biology
Adults are mainly nocturnal climbing up grass or cereal stems at night to feed on leaf blades.
Females lay their eggs in small clusters in the leaf sheaths that surround the main stem of the
host. Each female can produce up to 37 eggs over a 40 day period, depositing from one to six
eggs at each oviposition site. The smooth, shiny, cylindrical eggs are less than 1mm long,
and 3 times longer than wide; initially white in colour they slowly darken to a smoky black
colour within a day of being laid. Depending on environmental conditions the eggs can take
from 9 days to more than 30 day to hatch. Newly emerged larvae then mine into a tiller and
feed downward into the crown of the plant. If more than one larva develops per stem then
usually only one survives. The larvae develop through four larval instars over a period of 14-
66 days, again depending on the time of year, and when fully developed bore an exit hole in
the stem of the plant, fall to the ground and form a small (5-6mm diameter) pupation cell below
ground level in which they pupate. Adults emerge 7-15 days after pupation. Adult can live for
between 62 and 179 days with two (and occasionally three) generation being produced each
year (New Zealand). Second (and third) generation adults enter reproductive diapauses in the
autumn and cease to lay eggs. These adults over-winter in plant litter on the soil surface or
within the crown of the host plant and become active again the following spring, when they
mate and start the cycle over.
Damage
Listronotus bonariensis is a major economic pest in New Zealand and has the subject of
intensive study. Conversely in its native range in South America L. bonariensis is not known to
be of any economic importance.
Adult feeding activity cause narrow rectangular holes to form on leaves near the tips causes a
windowing effect. This and adult feeding on the cotyledons of young plants can be destructive,
particularly in dry weather, but it is the feeding activity of the larvae that is the cause of most
damage. The larvae feed on the vascular tissues within stems and around nodes causing
vegetative tillers to wilt and yellow from the centre outwards, and flowering tillers to form
whiteheads (non-fertile seeds). In addition as stems become physically compromised they can
break and lodging can occur.
Control
Naturally occurring and benign fungal epiphytes of the genus Acremonium confer resistance
to L. bonariensis in infected hosts. There are also three parasitic wasps that will attack
L. bonariensis, namely Potasson atomarius (eggparasite), Heterospilus sp. (larval parasite)
and Microtones hyperodae (an adult parasitoid).
Advisory Information
Suspected outbreaks of Argentine stem weevil or any other non-native plant pest should be reported
to your local
Fera Plant Health and Seeds Inspector, or
Tel: 01904 465625
Email: planthealth.info@fera.gsi.gov.uk
Web: www.defra.gov.uk/fera/plants/plantHealth
Authors
J. Ostojá-Starzewski
The Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera). Updated September 2011
© Crown copyright 2011
The Food and Environment Research Agency Sand Hutton, York
YO41 1LZ, UK
Tel +44 (0)1904 462 000
Fax +44 (0)1904 462 111
E-mail info@fera.gsi.gov.uk
www.defra.gov.uk/fera
