Integrated Weed Control Project

Microlarinus lypriformisMicrolarinus lypriformis

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Common Name

Puncturevine stem weevil

Weed Impacted

Larvae and adults both attack puncturevine.  Larval feeding within stems and root crowns (mining) inhibits the ability of the plants to transport and store vital nutrients, and heavy feeding can cause stem breakage.  Adults cause secondary impacts by feeding on stems and leaves.  While these weevils have also been known to feed on Jamaica feverplant and some species of Kallstroemia, no nontarget impacts have been reported.

Insect Description

Adults are small brownish weevils, 4-5 mm (approx 3/16 in) long.  Larvae are C-shaped grubs found within the stems.

Life Cycle

In warm climates, these beetles may complete multiple generations in a year.  Eggs are laid in pits chewed into the root crowns and undersides of stems.  Larvae mine the stems and root crowns, and remain within the stems to pupate.  New adults emerge from exit holes in the stems and root crowns and begin feeding on stems and leaves.  Adults overwinter in surface litter near the host plants.

Field IdentificationMicrolarinus lypriformis larva

M. lypriformis is slightly smaller than the other, closely-related puncturevine weevil (Microlarinus lareynii), and is not teardrop-shaped.

Availability

These insects are readily available in states with warm climates (e.g. Oregon, California, lower midwest and southwest), but may have difficulty establishing in areas with cold winter temperatures. It is currently not available in Washington.

Comments

Together with Microlarinus lareynii, M. lypriformis can provide good control of puncturevine.

Using the Agent: Integrated Weed Management (IWM)

M. lypriformis should only be released where puncturevine infestations are large and eradication of the weed is not the primary objective.  Smaller populations of puncturvine can be pulled, hoed, or sprayed; especially earlier in the season before flowering and seed production occurs. Consult with your county weed office, Extension office or an IWM practitioner to determine which herbicide treatments are safe and appropriate. 

Any management of puncturevine should include revegetation with native or other more desirable plants.  Revegetation promotes competition between plants, which stresses weeds and can allow for more effective treatment.  To learn more about revegetation and IWM, click here.

References

Coombs, E. M., J. K. Clark, G. L. Piper, and A. F. Cofrancesco, Jr. 2004. Biological Control of Noxious Weeds in the United States. Western Society of Weed Science, Oregon State Univ. Press, Corvallis.

Donaldson, S. and D. Rafferty. 2003. Identification and Management of Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris L.). Nevada Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet FS-03-34.

Photo Credits

Microlarinus lypriformis adult - USDA ARS European Biological Control Laboratory, bugwood.org http://www.insectimages.org/images/768x512/0022072.jpg

Microlarinus lypriformis larva - USDA ARS European Biological Control Laboratory, bugwood.org http://www.insectimages.org/images/768x512/0022073.jpg 

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