Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Author: Linnaeus, 1758 (Original genus Curculio)
Explanation of Names
From Latin ovat (=egg-shaped)
Identification
body shiny black; antennae and legs reddish-brown; sparse yellowish pubescence; pronotum nearly round and ridged; elytra grooved, with punctures and rough surface
[description by Roger Bland, How to Know the Insects. 1978.]
also note the linear pattern of bumps on the pronotum; some individuals have a conspicuous pointed spur on the anterior margin of the front femur
Range
most of North America, including Alaska and Northwest Territories
Season
adults from May to September
Food
strawberries, other herbaceous plants, and tree seedlings in nurseries; larvae live in the soil, and feed continuously on the roots of seedlings; adults feed at night on the leaves, stem, and berries
Life Cycle
one generation per year; overwinters as a larva or adult in soil or leaf litter; eggs are laid on the soil from May to September
Remarks
A
Canadian Forest Service source says that all adults are females, and are flightless
See Also
O. rugosostriatus is larger (7-9 mm), has blackish legs, and a random pattern of bumps on the pronotum
Internet References
adult image showing size comparison with several other species (Claude Schott, La Société Alsacienne d'Entomologie, France)
live adult image (I. Altmann, Germany)
live adult image (Fred Koehler, Germany)
live adult image (J.C. Schou, Denmark)
adult image plus description, biology, and control (Carl Shanks, Washington State U.)
adult illustrations plus description, biology, and control (William Lion, Ohio State U.)
distribution in Canada; PDF doc - list of provinces/territories, plus presence in Alaska (Curculionidae: in Checklist of the Beetles of Canada and Alaska)
Contributed by
Robin McLeod on 19 October, 2005 - 3:21am
Additional contributions by
onegunahLast updated 19 December, 2009 - 8:09am
