Bionomics of Mogulones cruciger (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a Below-Ground Herbivore for the Biological Control of Hound's-Tongue

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Abstract
The ecology and bionomics of Mogulones cruciger Herbst, a below-ground herbivore that feeds on hound's-tongue, Cynoglossum officinale L., was studied at different localities in Central Europe between 1991 and 1995. Information on the seasonal phenology, duration, and biology of all life stages was collected. The adults feed on all aerial plant parts, whereas the larvae develop in the roots of hound's-tongue. Oviposition occurs in autumn and spring. Females prefer bolting plants over rosettes and large plants over small ones for oviposition. M. cruciger has 3 instars. Because of the 2 oviposition periods in autumn and spring, larvae can be found nearly throughout the year in the roots of their host plant. The species ovenvinters in the adult and larval stages and consequently cannot be considered strictly univoltine. However, weevils cannot complete 2 generations under temperate climatic conditions. The phenology of M. cruciger is well synchronized with that of its host plant. Because of its high abundance, feeding behavior, and seasonal phenology, the species is considered a promising biological control agent for hound's-tongue in North America.

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