The clone wars: the Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) vs the black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) – characterization of a potential herbivory

The Japanese knotweed ( Fallopia japonica ) is considered as highly invasive in Europe and is largely widespread in France, without any established predator. This short study first characterized the herbivory of Fallopia by the black vine weevil ( Otiorhynchus sulcatus ), a commonly encountered coleopteran in France. Through an experimental design of leaf choices, between Fragaria spp. and Fallopia spp., our results show that the insects prefer Fallopia , even if it is presented for the first time. Even if this simple observation may appear as trivial, it highlights a novel plant-insect interaction and may start new insight in plant control or invasion management.