{"id":3018,"date":"2016-12-21T14:50:18","date_gmt":"2016-12-21T22:50:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=3018"},"modified":"2022-05-16T10:27:10","modified_gmt":"2022-05-16T17:27:10","slug":"metamasius-hemipterus-l-west-indian-sugarcane-weevil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=3018","title":{"rendered":"Metamasius hemipterus (L.): West Indian Sugarcane Weevil"},"content":{"rendered":"
California Pest Rating for<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Metamasius hemipterus <\/em><\/strong>(L.): West Indian Sugarcane Weevil<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Pest Rating: \u00a0C<\/strong><\/h5>\n
\n
PEST RATING PROFILE<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Initiating Event: <\/strong><\/h5>\n

February 26, 2014, USDA distributed a Deregulation Evaluation of Established Pests (DEEP) report proposing to change the status of Metamasius hemipterus<\/em>, West Indian sugarcane weevil, from actionable to non-actionable for the continental United States.\u00a0 The weevil would remain actionable for Hawaii and the Pacific territories.\u00a0 The insect is currently C-rated by CDFA, so a pest rating proposal is needed to determine future direction.<\/p>\n

History & Status:<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Background<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 The larvae of Metamasius hemipterus<\/em> are borers that tunnel through the stems and petioles of tropical plants, causing extensive damage3.<\/sup>\u00a0 \u00a0They are considered an economic pest in Florida3<\/sup>.\u00a0 The weevil feeds primarily on coconut, banana, and sugarcane2<\/sup>; it usually attacks plants that are already damaged.\u00a0 Secondary hosts include a variety of palms, lantana, pineapple, cassava, guava, sorghum, corn, and Mora excelsa<\/em>1,2<\/sup>.\u00a0 Metamasius hemipterus<\/em> can spread long distances through commerce in infested plants and fruit, especially bananas.<\/p>\n

Worldwide Distribution<\/u><\/strong>: Metamasius hemipterus<\/em> appears to be native to Central America and\/or northern South America1<\/sup>.\u00a0 From there it has spread through much of the Caribbean and Cameroon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Nigeria in Africa.\u00a0 It was found in Florida in 1984.<\/p>\n

Official Control<\/u><\/strong>: Metamasius hemipterus<\/em> is considered a quarantine pest in Europe2<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

California Distribution<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 There are specimens of Metamasius hemipterus<\/em> in the California State Collection of Arthropods from the following counties:\u00a0 Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Contra Costa, and Calaveras.<\/p>\n

California Interceptions<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0 There is only one interception of Metamasius hemipterus<\/em> recorded in the PDR database.\u00a0 This was at the border station in Blythe in 2001 on bananas of unknown origin.\u00a0 The weevil is frequently intercepted by USDA on bananas from Central and South America.<\/p>\n

The risk Metamasius hemipterus<\/em> (West Indian sugarcane weevil) would pose to California is evaluated below.<\/p>\n

Consequences of Introduction:\u00a0<\/strong><\/h5>\n

1) Climate\/Host Interaction:<\/strong> The present distribution of Metamasius hemipterus<\/em> corresponds to USDA plant hardiness zones 9-13. This corresponds to much of California.\u00a0 The weevil receives a High(3) <\/strong><\/span>in this category.<\/p>\n

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California.\u00a0 Score: 3<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

– Low (1)<\/strong> Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.<\/p>\n

– Medium (2)<\/strong> may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.<\/p>\n

– High (3)<\/strong> likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.<\/span><\/p>\n

2) Known Pest Host Range:<\/strong> Metamasius hemipterus<\/em> is known to feed on 20 species of plants in 6 families.\u00a0 The weevil receives a Medium(2)<\/strong><\/span> in this category.<\/p>\n

Evaluate the host range of the pest. Score: 2<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

– Low (1)<\/strong> has a very limited host range.<\/p>\n

– Medium (2)<\/strong> has a moderate host range.<\/span><\/p>\n

– High (3)<\/strong> has a wide host range.<\/p>\n

3) Pest Dispersal Potential:<\/strong> Metamasius hemipterus<\/em> has a high reproductive rate, with each female laying an average of 500 eggs3<\/sup>.\u00a0 The weevils are reported to not disperse long distances naturally, but they can spread long distances through commerce in infested plants or fruit, especially bananas.\u00a0 Metamasius hemipterus<\/em> receives a High(3)<\/strong><\/span> in this category.<\/p>\n

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest. Score: 3<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

– Low (1)<\/strong> does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.<\/p>\n

– Medium (2)<\/strong> has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.<\/p>\n

– High (3)<\/strong> has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.<\/span><\/p>\n

4) Economic Impact:<\/strong> Metamasius hemipterus<\/em> is reported to be a pest of sugarcane and ornamental palms.\u00a0 However, it is present in California and is not reported to lower crop yield, lower crop values, trigger lost markets, alter cultural practices, vector other organisms, or interfere with water supplies.\u00a0 The weevil receives a Low(1)<\/strong> <\/span>in this category.<\/p>\n

Evaluate the economic impact of the pest to California using the criteria below. Score: 1<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A. The pest could lower crop yield.<\/p>\n

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).<\/p>\n

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).<\/p>\n

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.<\/p>\n

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.<\/p>\n

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.<\/p>\n

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.<\/p>\n

– Low (1)<\/strong> causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.<\/span><\/p>\n

– Medium (2)<\/strong> causes 2 of these impacts.<\/p>\n

– High (3)<\/strong> causes 3 or more of these impacts.<\/p>\n

5) Environmental Impact:<\/strong> Metamasius hemipterus<\/em> has entered California and is not known to lower biodiversity, disrupt natural communities, or change ecosystem practices.\u00a0 It is not known to directly affect threatened or endangered species or disrupt critical habitats.\u00a0 There are no reports of the weevil triggering treatment programs or altering cultural practices, home\/urban gardening, or ornamental plants.\u00a0 Metamasius hemipterus<\/em> receives a Low(1)<\/strong><\/span> in this category.<\/p>\n

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.<\/p>\n

A. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.<\/p>\n

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.<\/p>\n

C. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.<\/p>\n

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.<\/p>\n

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home\/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.<\/p>\n

Score the pest for Environmental Impact. Score: 1<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

– Low (1)<\/strong> causes none of the above to occur.<\/span><\/p>\n

– Medium (2)<\/strong> causes one of the above to occur.<\/p>\n

– High (3)<\/strong> causes two or more of the above to occur.<\/p>\n

Consequences of Introduction to California for Metamasius hemipterus<\/em> (West Indian Sugarcane Weevil):<\/strong>\u00a0 Medium(10)<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

Add up the total score and include it here.<\/p>\n

–Low<\/strong> = 5-8 points<\/p>\n

–Medium<\/strong> = 9-12 points<\/span><\/p>\n

–High<\/strong> = 13-15 points<\/p>\n

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information:<\/strong> Metamasius hemipterus<\/em> is thought to have established a widespread distribution in California.\u00a0 The weevil receives a High(-3)<\/strong> <\/span>in this category.<\/p>\n

Evaluate the known distribution in California. Only official records identified by a taxonomic expert and supported by voucher specimens deposited in natural history collections should be considered. Pest incursions that have been eradicated, are under eradication, or have been delimited with no further detections should not be included.<\/p>\n

–Not established (0)<\/strong> Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.<\/p>\n

–Low (-1)<\/strong> Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate\/host area (region).<\/p>\n

–Medium (-2)<\/strong> Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate\/host areas.<\/p>\n

–High (-3)<\/strong> Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate\/host areas.<\/span><\/p>\n

Final Score:<\/h5>\n

The final score is<\/strong> the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Low(7) <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Uncertainty: <\/strong><\/h5>\n

Historically some scientists have treated what is now known as Metamasius hemipterus<\/em> as three distinct species2<\/sup>.\u00a0 It is possible that there could be cryptic species in this group that are absent from California and more damaging than the weevil we have here.<\/p>\n

Conclusion and Rating Justification: <\/strong><\/h5>\n

Metamasius hemipterus<\/em> is reported to be present in California and is not known to cause any significant economic or environmental impacts.\u00a0 A C-rating is justified.<\/p>\n

References:<\/strong><\/h5>\n

1<\/sup><\/strong>Culliney, T.W.\u00a0 2014.\u00a0 Deregulation Evaluation of Established Pests (DEEP); DEEP Report on Metamasius hemipterus<\/em> (L.): West Indian Sugarcane Weevil.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/sup>2<\/sup>European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) data sheet on Metamasius hemipterus<\/em>.\u00a0 https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CDwQFjAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eppo.int%2FQUARANTINE%2FPest_Risk_Analysis%2FPRAdocs_insects%2Fdraft_ds%2F09-15171%2520DS%2520Metamasius%2520hemipterus.doc&ei=yRRQU8PBN8PmyQHaloC4Cw&usg=AFQjCNFWGRjZa4Q95nqilDkxnpstEbCwWw&bvm=bv.64764171,d.aWc<\/a><\/p>\n

3<\/sup>Weissling, Thomas J. and Robin M. Giblin-Davis.\u00a0 2013.\u00a0 Featured Creatures: Silky Cane Weevil.\u00a0 http:\/\/entnemdept.ufl.edu\/creatures\/orn\/silky_cane_weevil.htm<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
Responsible Party:<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Jason Leathers, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814, (916) 654-1211, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.<\/p>\n

\n
Comment Format:<\/h5>\n

\u2666 \u00a0Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s)\u00a0being commented on, as shown below.<\/p>\n

Example Comment:
\n<\/strong>Consequences of Introduction: \u00a01. Climate\/Host Interaction:\u00a0[Your comment that relates to \u201cClimate\/Host Interaction\u201d here.<\/em>]<\/p>\n

\u2666 \u00a0Posted comments will not be able to be viewed immediately.<\/p>\n

\u2666 \u00a0Comments may not be posted if they:<\/p>\n

Contain inappropriate language which is not germane to\u00a0the pest rating proposal;<\/p>\n

Contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, pornographic,\u00a0sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, discriminatory or illegal\u00a0material;<\/p>\n

Violates agency regulations prohibiting sexual harassment or other forms\u00a0of discrimination;<\/p>\n

Violates agency regulations prohibiting workplace violence, including threats.<\/p>\n

\u2666 \u00a0Comments may be edited prior to posting to ensure they are entirely germane.<\/p>\n

\u2666 \u00a0Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the\u00a0website to be viewed, not just submitted.<\/p>\n

\n

Pest Rating: \u00a0C<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

Posted by ls<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

California Pest Rating for Metamasius hemipterus (L.): West Indian Sugarcane Weevil Pest Rating: \u00a0C PEST RATING PROFILE Initiating Event: February 26, 2014, USDA distributed a Deregulation Evaluation of Established Pests (DEEP) report proposing to change the status of Metamasius hemipterus, West Indian sugarcane weevil, from actionable to non-actionable for the continental United States.\u00a0 The weevil … Continue reading Metamasius hemipterus (L.): West Indian Sugarcane Weevil<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[15,5],"tags":[184,52,465,466],"class_list":["post-3018","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-coleoptera","category-entomology","tag-coleoptera","tag-insects-and-mites","tag-metamasius-hemipterus","tag-west-indian-sugarcane-weevil"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p5l8vQ-MG","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":4415,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=4415","url_meta":{"origin":3018,"position":0},"title":"Strangulate Weevil | Trochorhopalus strangulatus (Gyllenhal)","author":"Kyle Beucke","date":"January 11, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"California Pest Rating for Strangulate Weevil |\u00a0Trochorhopalus strangulatus (Gyllenhal) Coleoptera Pest Rating: A \u00a0 PEST RATING PROFILE Initiating Event: Trochorhopalus strangulatus was recently reported to be established on the island of Hawaii (J. Matsunaga, pers. comm.).\u00a0 The species is currently Q-rated, and a permanent pest rating proposal is required to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Coleoptera"","block_context":{"text":"Coleoptera","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?cat=15"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":5574,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=5574","url_meta":{"origin":3018,"position":1},"title":"New Guinea Sugarcane Weevil | Rhabdoscelus obscurus (Boisduval)","author":"Kyle Beucke","date":"July 3, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"California Pest Rating\u00a0 for\u00a0 (New Guinea Sugarcane Weevil) |\u00a0Rhabdoscelus obscurus (Boisduval)\u00a0 Coleoptera: Curculionidae Pest Rating: A PEST RATING PROFILE Initiating Event: This weevil was recently intercepted on cut ginger flowers from Hawaii (190P06619908).\u00a0 The species is currently Q-rated, and a permanent pest rating proposal is required to support an official\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "A-Rated"","block_context":{"text":"A-Rated","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?cat=669"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":6582,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=6582","url_meta":{"origin":3018,"position":2},"title":"Ceratapion basicorne (Illiger): a weevil coleoptera: apionidae","author":"Kyle Beucke","date":"November 12, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"California Pest Rating Profile for Ceratapion basicorne (Illiger): a weevil Pest Rating: D download pest rating profile *NOTE: You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at permits[@]cdfa.ca.gov. Posted by ka","rel":"","context":"In "Coleoptera"","block_context":{"text":"Coleoptera","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?cat=15"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":8919,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=8919","url_meta":{"origin":3018,"position":3},"title":"Anthonomus rubi (Herbst): strawberry blossom weevil","author":"Kyle Beucke","date":"September 15, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"California Pest Rating Profile for Anthonomus rubi (Herbst): strawberry blossom weevilPest Rating: A download pest rating profile *NOTE You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at permits[@]cdfa.ca.gov. 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