Species Coniatus splendidulus

Splendid Tamarisk Weevil

Coniatus (Bagoides) splendidulus (Fabricius 1781)

2.5–3.5 mm(1)

native to the Mediterranean (east to Kazakhstan), accidentally introduced in AZ (ca. 2006) and has spread across sw.US (CA to OK–TX) and to Baja(1)

Riparian Saltcedar groves

host: Tamarix (Tamaricaceae)

pupates in an open silk cage on a leaf/stem of the host

"A hyperine weevil which was under consideration for release as a biocontrol agent against tamarisk. However the release was not authorized due to conflict of interest between ranchers who want the tree controlled and the conservationists (in this case birders) who want to protect the preferred nesting site of the yellow-bellied flycatcher. The USDA claims not to have released it from strict quarantine so it must have come in some other way. The tamarisk suck up the water to a great depth and kill off the other riparian trees, willow and cottonwoods for example, which are essential to the birds as they seek food among the latter. The problem is that the bird is endangered and prefers to nest in tamarisk which is not a natural community and which provides little food for the birds. It is a "Catch 22", but chance may have solved the dilemma." –C.W. O'Brien, pers. comm. to =v=