Discovery of epizoic algae on semiaquatic weevils Bagous tubulus Caldara et O’Brien, 1994 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Europe

Abstract

During examination of Bagous tubulus Caldara et O’Brien, 1994 series collected in Lviv Region of Ukraine the epizoic algae were detected. Small- and medium-sized green spots are constrained to the dorsal and lateral surfaces of pronotum, elytra, and femora of beetles. We assume that succidations, microstructure of scales along with semiaquatic way of life provides optimal substrate for growth of algal mats. It is still unclear how algal mats affect beetle life or properties of scales and coating. Taxonomic composition of those mats is unknown yet. According to available data on epizoic organisms, we presume that it may be the species of Ulvophyceae, Chlorophyceae, and/or Cyanobacteria.