Dorytomus taeniatus explained

Dorytomus taeniatus is a species of weevil native to Europe.[1] [2] It was first described by Johann Christian Fabricius in 1781. The larvae cause a small growth (known as a gall) on the catkins of willows (Salix species).

Description

Eggs are laid during the autumn in the axils of catkin buds and hatch the following spring.[3] The larvae cause an inconspicuous distortion of, usually, female catkins, thickening the rachis.[4] Catkins drop earlier than uninfected catkins and the larvae pupate in the soil.[5] Close examination of the gall is necessary as Redfern et al. (2011) note that sometimes, thickening of the rachis can be wound tissue rather than a gall and according to Plant Parasites of Europe identification is only possible by examining the weevils.[4] [5]

The gall has been recorded from white willow (S. alba), eared willow (S. aurita'), goat willow (S. caprea), grey willow (S. cinerea) and purple willow (S.purpurea).[5]

Adults are long and brownish-black to black. They can be found from May onwards, browsing on the leaves, removing patches of tissue and exposing the network of fine veins.[3]

Distribution

Found in western and central Europe including Great Britain (common) and Scandinavia.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Morris, M.G. (2012) True Weevils. (Coleoptera: Curculioninae, Baridinae, Oroitidinae). Part III. Royal Entomological Society of London Handbook 5 (17d).
  2. Hoffmann, A. (1950, 1954, 1958) Coléoptères curculionides. Parties I, II, III. Paris: Éditions Faune de France. Bibliothèque virtuelle numérique pdfs
  3. Book: Alford. David V. Pests of Ornamental Trees, Shrubs and Flowers: A Color Handbook. 2012. Academic Press. Waltham. 978-0-12-398515-6. 155.
  4. Book: Redfern . Margaret . Shirley . Peter . Boxham . Michael . British Plant Galls . 2011 . Field Study Council . Shrewsbury . 978-185153-284-1. 282–299 . Second.
  5. Web site: Ellis. W N. Dorytomus taeniatus (Fabricius, 1781). Plant Parasites of Europe. 11 July 2019.
  6. Web site: Dorytomus taeniatus. Encyclopedia of Life. 11 July 2019.