Featured speciesText © K. Reißmann, T. Hörren, M. Stern, F. Bötzl and C. Benisch
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19.03.2021
Aspidapion aeneum (F., 1775)
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The 2.9 to 3.6 mm large apionid weevil Aspidapion aeneum (family Apionidae) is one of three representatives of the genus in Germany. The eurytopic, xerophilous species ranges over the entire Palearctic, in Europe from the South to the southern part of North Europe. The beetle prefers warm and dry habitats, e.g. sunny fallow land, ruderal sites, waysides and slopes. They live on mallows, e.g. Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris) and Roundleaf Mallow (M. neglecta), in gardens also on Common Hollyhock (Alcea rosea). The larvae develop in the lower stalk and in the roots, contrary the other apionid weevils on mallows, which prefer the fruits, leaf stalks and upper stalk. The beetles hatch in autumn and appear in May of the following year. In Germany, the species is widespread and common. It is not endangered, but rare in some parts. (CB)
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