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THE BIONOMICS OF APION ULICIS FÖRST. (GORSE WEEVIL), WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ITS ROLE IN THE CONTROL OF ULEX EUROPAEUS IN NEW ZEALAND 1
Author(s) -
DAVIES W. MALDWYN
Publication year - 1928
Publication title -
annals of applied biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1744-7348
pISSN - 0003-4746
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-7348.1928.tb07051.x
Subject(s) - ulex europaeus , biology , weevil , bionomics , pupa , larva , botany , parasitism , horticulture , ecology , host (biology) , biochemistry , agglutinin , lectin
Summary.1 The present study of Apion vlicis Först. is in reference to the use of this weevil in the control of Ulex europaeus in New Zealand: its synonymy and geographical distribution are dealt with. 2 The external morphology of the egg, larva, pupa and imago of Apion ulicis have been studied, special attention being devoted to the mouth parts of both adult and larva. The male and female reproductive organs are also described and figured. 3 The details of its life‐history and feeding habits are given and an account of the damage caused by both adult and larva is included. 4 A survey of 62 districts in Great Britain has been organised and as high as 92 per cent. pod infection has been observed. 5 Primary attention has been given to the possibility of Apion ulicis attacking economic plants. It was found that only leguminous plants need be considered, and of these oviposition only occurred in pods of Ulex europaeus . Tests to ascertain the ability of Apion ulicis to thrive on other leguminous plants gave entirely negative results. 6 A parasite identified as Splintherus leguminum , Ratz. has been bred, a 4 per cent. parasitism was estimated. Three other records of parasites of Apion ulicis are quoted.