Establishment of Ceuthorhynchidius horridus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), an Imported Thistle-Feeding Weevil, in Virginia

Ceuthorhynchidius horridus (Panzer), an imported European weevil which feeds on thistle rosettes, first released in the U.S. in 1974, has become established in 3 counties of Virginia. Releases at 10 selected sites infested with Carduus thistles were made between 1974–76; 3 on musk thistle ( Carduus nutans L.), 2 6 on plumeless thistle ( C. acanthoides L.), and one on a mixed stand. Establishment has been confirmed in the 3 musk thistle sites, one plumeless thistle and one mixed thistle site. These are the 1st establishments of C. horridus in North America.