# The Rediscovery and Life History of the Enigmatic Weevil Hypera libanotidis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): A Description of the Mature Larva and Pupa After More than a Century

## TL;DR

This study describes the larva and pupa of the rare weevil Hypera libanotidis for the first time, revealing unique traits and supporting its close relationship with other weevil groups.

## Contribution

First detailed description of immature stages and biological traits of Hypera libanotidis, revealing distinctive morphological and ecological features.

## Key findings

- Larval and pupal morphology shows unique traits like thorn-like setae and spiculate coverings.
- The species exhibits close morphological affinity with Eririnomorphus and Metadonus, suggesting a potential phylogenetic link.
- No larval parasitism was observed, highlighting the species' biological distinctiveness.

## Abstract

The present study provides the first detailed description of the immature stages and biological traits of Hypera libanotidis, significantly expanding the current knowledge of this poorly known hyperine species. Larval and pupal morphology largely conforms to the diagnostic characters of Hyperini but also exhibits several distinctive characters, including thorn-like setae borne on dark protuberances, dense spiculate coverings, and unusual pupal structures. These characters support the close morphological affinity of H. libanotidis with species of the subgenus Eririnomorphus and highlight notable similarities with Metadonus, suggesting a potentially close phylogenetic relationship that warrants future formal analysis. Biological observations confirm typical hyperine traits, such as ectophytic larval feeding, cryptic coloration, and cocoon construction prior to pupation. The close association with Libanotis pyrenaica, synchronized larval development, and apparent overwintering in the adult stage are consistent with earlier historical records and newly acquired field data. The absence of observed parasitism, despite its prevalence in Hyperini, further underlines the biological distinctiveness of this species. Overall, the detailed documentation of immature stages enables reliable identification of H. libanotidis in its larval and pupal phases and underscores the importance of developmental and biological data for taxonomy, phylogeny, and conservation of rare hyperine weevils.

Last instar larva and pupa of Hypera libanotidis Reitter, 1896 (Curculionidae: Hyperini) are described for the first time and compared with 44 other hyperine taxa. Larval morphology generally matches the diagnostic characters of Hyperini but shows distinctive traits, including thorn-like setae on conspicuous black protuberances, relatively long body setae, and dense spiculate coverings in larvae and pupae. Several unusual pupal characters, such as an atypical mesocoxal seta and a peculiar spiracular covering, further distinguish this species. These characters indicate close morphological affinity with species within the subgenus Eririnomorphus and also the genus Metadonus, suggesting a potentially close phylogenetic relationship. Biological observations confirm typical hyperine traits, including ectophytic larval feeding, cryptic coloration, and cocoon construction prior to pupation. Larval coloration, especially in early instars, partly corresponds with the host plant Libanotis pyrenaica. Larvae pupate in mesh-like cocoons on host plant remains, and no larval parasitism was observed. The species is associated with xerothermic loess grasslands, with adults apparently overwintering.