First observations on the bioethology of Aclees sp. (Curculionidae, Molytinae) damaging Ficus carica L. in Italy

Abstract

Results of bioethological observations on Aclees sp., that belongs to a group of species with not well known taxonomy, distributed in East Asia are reported. The observations were carried out from 2005 to 2006 in the Pistoia province (Tuscany). The species recently reported in Italy (as Aclees cribratus Gyllenhal) is, with respect to nutrition and reprodution, strictly related to Ficus carica L. and its cultivar; climatic factors have a significant influence on the life cicle. The xilophagous larvae cause serious damage to hypogeal wood that is completely destroyed resulting in high mortality of feeding larvae. Adults feed on epigeal plant parts. The plants suffering from infestations by Aclees sp. are found in either nurseries or permanent settings in both unmanaged areas or family orchards.