Review of the biology and host plants of the Australian weevil Euthyrhinus meditabundus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The biology and host plants of the widespread, polyphagous and cryptic weevil, Euthyrhinus meditabundus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Cryptorhynchinae) are reviewed from the literature and from the personal observations of the author. A total of 29 plant species from 18 families (including 6 species of Gymnospermae and 23 Angiospermae) are presently known to be attacked by this weevil in Australia. Infestation appears to be mainly restricted to the dead or dying wood of the host plants, most of which contain either sugar- and nutrient-rich sap or latex (e.g. Anacardiaceae, Araucariaceae, Moraceae and Pinaceae) or wood rich in nitrogenous compounds (e.g. Caesalpiniaceae, Fabaceae and Mimosaceae). Both native and introduced plants are attacked in a wide range of habitats including plantations, farmlands, dry sclerophyll forests, woodlands and rainforest. A parasite Thaumasura curculionis Girault (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) was collected from pupal chambers in the wood of Acacia bidwilli Benth. (Mimosaceae).