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Splendid Tamarisk Weevil
Coniatus splendidulus
33.0606, -117.068
Field Notes
Description:
Beautiful green and gold beetle. "It is a very beautiful weevil with unusual biology, since all members of the subfamily have external larvae, which feed on the outside of the leaves. Most weevils have larvae inside the host plant or in the soil where they are protected from predators and parasites. These hyperine weevils pupate in an open silk cage on the outside of the leaf or stem of the host." Charlie O'Brien
Habitat:
On a species of tamarisk near Lake Hodges seen at spotting http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/8260688 This is a European species introduced into Arizona to control the invasive Tamarisk plants and ended up here.
Notes:
First for Bug Guide California and for Project Noah!
Reference Links:
Species Coniatus splendidulus - BugGuide.Net
Species ID Suggestions
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedDecember 31, 2011
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