Chalcodermus persimilis O'Brien n. sp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): Description, Biology, Host Range, and Suitability for Biological Control of Mimosa pigra L. (Mimosaceae)

A new species of weevil of the subfamily Molytinae from Mexico, Chalcodermus persimilis O'Brien, is described herein. The genus is redescribed and C. persimilis is illustrated with habitus photos and line drawings of its male genitalia. Similar illustrations are included of C. radiatus Champion and C. serripes Fahraeus, both of which resemble C. persimilis. Adults and larvae of the Mexican weevil, C. persimilis feed on seeds of Mimosa pigra Linnaeus, a noxious weed in Australia and Southeast Asia. Oviposition preferences, adult feeding preferences and larval development of C. persimilis were determined for a selected group of legume plant species. Adults feed and oviposit on several species of Mimosaceae. Larvae develop into normal adults on several of these species. The host range of this species is too broad to be considered as a biological control agent of Mimosa pigra.