Sexual dimorphism and morphometric analysis of Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) of Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11669856Keywords:
management strategies, Phylogeny, distribution, species description, pests, ColeopteraAbstract
The Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) is a global threat to palm trees. Our study, which delves into the sexual dimorphism and morphometric variations among Red Palm Weevils in the Khairpur district of Sindh, Pakistan, has the potential to influence the development of effective and sustainable management strategies significantly. We collected 210 adult Red Palm Weevils, both males and females, from various palm tree habitats in Khairpur. We measured different body parts using calipers and compared the results between the sexes. The findings revealed clear sexual dimorphism in Red Palm Weevils of Khairpur, with females being larger. These morphometric variations provide valuable insights into the sexual dimorphism and physical characteristics of Red Palm Weevils in Khairpur, Sindh. This information can be directly applied in developing sex-specific control strategies, such as targeted trapping or biological control methods, to mitigate the impact of Red Palm Weevils on palm tree populations in the region. Our research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the species biology and aids in developing effective and sustainable management strategies for this economically significant pest.
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