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Ixapion variegatum

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Ixapion variegatum
Scientific classification
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I. variegatum
Binomial name
Ixapion variegatum
(Wencker, 1864)

Ixapion variegatum, the kiss me slow weevil, is a weevil[1] in the family Brentidae, which occurs at low densities throughout its west European range.[2]

Its larval stages feed on mistletoe, from which its English vernacular name is derived.[1] Eggs are laid in the plants stems, just below terminal buds.[1] In Europe, the larvae feed from April–July, and emerge the following June.[1]

Feeding by adult weevils, which are between 2.1 and 2.8 mm long,[3] results in brown speckling on the plant's leaves.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Lowe, Marilyn (2012). "Kiss Me Slow: Kiss and Go". Annual Report (58). Warwick Natural History Society: 28–30.
  2. ^ Foster, AP; Morris MG; Whitehead PF (2001). "Ixapion variegatum (Wenker, 1864) (Col., Apionidae) new to the British Isles, with observations on its European and conservation status". Entomologist's Monthly Magazine (137): 95–105.
  3. ^ Green, Harry; Meiklejohn, John (November 2004). "Mistletoe Bugs and a Weevil: Ixapion variegatum in Worcestershire". Worcestershire Record (17). Worcestershire Biological Records Centre: 24–25. Archived from the original on 2012-12-23. Retrieved 2012-02-28.