AN ECOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE WANDERING BEETLE, LARINUS MACULOSUS (SCHR.) (CURCULIONIDAE: COLEOPTERA), IN THE GOVERNORATES OF IRAQ

Abstract

The wandering weevil, Larinus maculosus (Schr), is the most recently discovered species of the genus Larinus, belonging to the Coleoptera family. It is widely distributed in central and northern Iraq, particularly. A total of 110 Larinus species have been identified across Iraq, and it has been shown that the majority of species are recorded in the northern regions, compared to the southern regions, at a rate that may reach 70%. It is also clear that there are morphological and anatomical differences between L. maculosus and its closest relatives. The most obvious differences are found in the head region, specifically the snout, as well as in the male and female reproductive organs. It has also been found that this insect has a great ability to survive in harsh environmental conditions and may be a serious agricultural pest for economic crops. At the same time, this insect can be used for biological control of plants that harm agricultural crops.