Weevils - Entomological Society of Canada

Attel ab us bi pu stu latus Fabrici us
Figs. 11, 164; Map 35
Attelubus 2 -pustulatus Fabricius, 7776:229 (lectotype,'America
borealis"; UZMCt.
Attelabus bipustulatus: Blatchley and Leng 1916:63; Dillon and
Dillon 1961:750; Hamilton 1969:107; Hamilton 1979:30; O'Brien and
Wibmer 1982:1,1.
Description. Length 2.2-4.5 mm. Body black with reddish
orange rectangular markings, these extending from humeri to midpoint
ofelytra, laterally to interstria 2 or 3 (variable); ventral surface with a
few scattered setae. Head with sides arcuate from base to eyes; surface
essentially smooth, with a few very small widely separated shallow
points and with 2 deeply impressed arcuate grooves near each eye;
median area impressed from area of antennal insertion to above upper
level of eyes. Rostrum distinctly shorter than head; surface densely
punctured, rugose; apex with lateral angles lacking conspicuous tooth;
submental area with conspicuous median tooth (male) (Fig. 164) or
swelling (female). Antennae inserted dorsolaterally near base of
rostrum. Pronotum 1.4 times wider than long, widest at base; sides
arcuate, converging to recurved anterior margin; disc evenly convex,
with numerous small, impressed points; interpuncture spaces smooth,
shining. Elytra at base 1.3-1.4 times wider than pronotum; apex broadly
rounded; striae not impressed, with large, shallowly impressed
punctures in regular rows; interstriae about 3.0-4.0 times (variable)
wider than striae, with scattered, minute points. Femora of forelegs with
1 small, ventral, peg-like tooth.
Distribution. Nova Scotia to Ontario, south through the eastern
United States to Florida, west to Wisconsin, Missouri, and Texas. Nova
Scotia: Greenfield and Ingramport. Ontario: Blackburn, Constance Bay,
Leamington, Normandale, Northumberland, Paris, Pembroke, Sarnia,
Sudbury, Toronto, Tillsonburg, andWalsingham. Quebec: Beech Grove,
Gatineau Park, and Kazabazua.
Comments. Adults of this species are easily recognized by the
black body with red humeral areas on the elytra, by the small size, and by
the other characters given above in the key and description. Girault
(1904) provides some details on the biology. Females cut areas of leaves
of various species, oviposit on the apex of the wilted portion, and finally
roll it into a firm cylinder containing one egg in its centre. The leaf roll
sometimes remains attached to the leaf for weeks. Early summer broods
may develop to adults within the leaf rolls while they remain attached to
the leaves. In other cases, the leaf roll may fall to the ground a few days
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