Exapion ulicis (Forster)

Kissinger, David G., 2005, Review Of Apioninae Of Chile (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea: Apionidae), The Coleopterists Bulletin 59 (1), pp. 71-90 : 84

Exapion ulicis (Forster)

( Figs. 2, 3 )

Curculio ulicis Forster, 1771: 31 .

Apion (Exapion) ulicis (Forster) , Bedel, 1887: 360; Kissinger, 1968: 233, fig. 167 e–i, 168 d–f.

Exapion ulicis (Forster) , Alonso-Zarazaga, 1990: 79; Kuschel, 2003: 42, fig. 16–18, 158–166, map 17.

This Palearctic species was introduced into Chile as a biocontrol agent for gorse, Ulex europaeus (Fabricius) (Fabaceae) . A recent treatment of the species (in New Zealand) is Kuschel (2003).

Distinguishing features of both sexes of this species are the narrow, toothlike extension of the dorsal margin of the scrobe (fig. 3, inset) unique among Chilean apionids, the antenna inserted close to the eye, and the long, slender, nearly straight cylindrical rostrum.

Figures

Figs. 1–3. Chilean Apioninae. 1) Chilapion macilentum, dorsal view; 2, 3) Exapion ulicis; 2) dorsal view; 3) lateral view, female head and prothorax (with acute scrobe process outlined and enlarged, no scale). Scale ¼ 0.36 mm.