Swimming Behavior of an Aquatic Weevil, Lissorhoptrus Oryzophilus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Authors

  • Raymond L. Hix
  • Donn T. Johnson
  • John L. Bernhardt

Abstract

The swimming behavior of the rice water weevil Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is unique in comparison to that of most other aquatic weevils. Propulsion during swimming is provided only by the mesothoracic legs. The legs are moved synchronously during protraction and retraction. The pro- and metathoracic legs serve as diving planes and provide stability. The average rice water weevil swimming speed was 1.53 (0.15 SE) cm per s with a range of 0.88 to 2.52 cm per s. Weevils averaged 5.67 (0.22 SE) strokes per s. The mode of swimming by L. oryzophilus differs from those described for Phytobious leucogaster (Marsham) (= Litodactylus leucogaster), P. comari (Herbst), Bagous cavifrons LeConte, B. americanus LeConte and B. limosus Gyllenhal. It also differs from descriptions of swimming for other aquatic Coleoptera and Hemiptera. Furthermore, L. oryzophilus swims below the surface and was observed at depths of 18.0 cm in the laboratory. This brings the modes of free swimming (exclusive of skating) to at least 3 by adult aquatic curculionids.

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Published

2000-09-01

Issue

Vol. 83, No. 3 (September 2000)

Section

Literature Review Articles

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