Bionomics and host plant of Herpes porcellus Lacordaire, 1863 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract

A study on the bionomics of Herpes porcellus Lacordaire, 1863 recorded for the first time from northeastern Anatolia (Turkey), supports the recent transfer of the genus Herpes to the subfamily Phytonominae. The primary host plant of H. porcellus is Nonea pulla (L.) DC., but adults feed, also on Anchusa orientalis (L.) Reichenb., and on an unidentified species of Boraginaceae. Eggs are laid on leaves and flowers. Larvae feed externally on these organs. Mature larvae make a silky cocoon and proceed inside to the pupal stage. The species produces one generation per year and hibernates as adult.