Trapping the exotic weevil Cnestus mutilatus with Isopropanol

Abstract

The ambrosia beetle Cnestus mutilatus Blandford, 1894 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Xyleborini) is native to Asia and is currently an exotic species in North America. This study tested whether this species can be trapped with isopropanol as bait. Lindgren multiple-funnel traps were deployed in the piedmont of south-central Virginia, USA. The experimental traps had isopropanol in the collection cups. For comparison, other traps had ethanol or soapy water. Both alcohols were effective for trapping C. mutilatus. More specimens were captured using ethanol. Isopropanol and ethanol may play similar roles in the chemical ecology of ambrosia beetles.