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Smicronyx species (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), economically important seed predators of witchweeds (Striga spp.) (Scrophulariaceae) in sub-Saharan Africa

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

D. M. Anderson  and
M. L. Cox
D. M. Anderson
Affiliation:
Systematic Entomology Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, c/o National Museum of Natural History, NHB Stop 168, Washington DC 20560, USA
M. L. Cox
Affiliation:
International Institute of Entomology, 56 Queen's Gate, London SW7 5JR, UK
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Abstract

The taxonomy of three species of Smicronyx that are potential biocontrol agents of witchweeds (Striga spp.) in West Africa is revised. The two most abundant species are identified as Smicronyx(Afrosmicronyx) umbrinus Hustache and S. (Smicronyx) guineanus Voss. A third species is described as Smicronyx (Afrosmicronyx) dorsomaculatus Cox, sp. n. Diagnostic descriptions and a key, to separate adults of the three species from each other and from Sharpia bella Faust, are presented. Mature larvae of the three Smicronyx species are separated through a key and diagnoses. A lectotype is selected for Smicronyx umbrinus. All available host and distribution data are summarized for each species.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Bulletin of Entomological Research , Volume 87 , Issue 1 , February 1997 , pp. 3 - 17
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1997

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