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Title: DISCOVERY OF A NEW SPECIES OF SMICRONYX SCHOENHERR (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE).

Author
item ANDERSON, D - RETIRED SEL,ARS,USDA
item KOROTYAEV, B - RUSSIAN ACAD.ST.PETERBU
item Lingafelter, Steven

Submitted to: The Coleopterists Bulletin
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/29/2006
Publication Date: 11/2/2006
Citation: Anderson, D.M., Korotyaev, B.A., Lingafelter, S.W. 2006. Introductions of weevils between north america and europe: discovery of a new species of smicronyx schoenherr and a new synonym of trichosirocalus troglodytes (fabricius) (coleoptera: curculionidae). The Coleopterists Bulletin. 60(3): 243-251.

Interpretive Summary: When non-native species invade the United States they can have a tremendous economic impact. Examples include the Asian Longhorned Beetle and Japanese Beetle, each costing tens of millions of dollars per year in attempts to eradicate them. Two discoveries of invasive species of weevils to Europe and the United States are presented. One new species that feeds on ragweed and has great potential as a biological control agent is described. Another weevil, existing under a different name in the United States for nearly a century, was found to be the same species as one widespread in Europe, and is formally synonymized in this study. This study better enables entomologists, quarantine officials, pest managers, biological control researchers, and evolutionary biologists to make more accurate identifications of fauna related to their work.

Technical Abstract: Discoveries of two instances of a reciprocal exchange of weevils between the United States and Europe are presented. Smicronyx obrieni Anderson, Korotyaev, and Lingafelter, new species, was discovered in Krasnodar and Texas, and is described. Ceutorhynchus armatus Dietz, described from Texas, was found to be a new synonym of the widespread European species, Trichosirocalus troglodytes (Fabricius).