Larinus onopordi


Larinus onopordi, also known as the globe thistle capitulum weevil, is a species of true weevil in the genus Larinus.

Range

This species is found in regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.

Ecology

Larinus onopordi is univoltine, undergoing one generation per year. Females lay eggs in the capitulum of globe thistles, mainly Echinops sphaerocephalus, Echinops orientalis and Echinops pungens.
Larvae develop in the capitulum, eating and destroying the seeds. Pupation occurs in late summer, and a new generation of adults emerge after a few days.
The braconid wasp Bracon facialis has been reared from the pupal stage.