First Record of Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in the Republic of North Macedonia

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7546/CRABS.2026.08.17

Keywords:

rice water weevil, first record, invasive species, rice pest, North Macedonia

Abstract

The rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is one of the most destructive pests of rice worldwide. Native to North America, the species has progressively expanded its distribution to Asia and Europe, where it has established stable populations and caused significant economic losses. In June 2023, regular field inspections conducted in two commercial rice fields in the Kocani rice growing region of the Republic of North Macedonia revealed the presence of adult specimens and characteristic feeding damage on rice plants. A total of 27 adult individuals were collected using an entomological sweep net under permanent flooding conditions. Identification was based exclusively on morphological characteristics observed under stereomicroscopy and comparison with published taxonomic keys. This study represents the first confirmed record of L. oryzophilus in the Republic of North Macedonia and indicates a potential risk for rice production in the region.

Author Biographies

Biljana Atanasova, Goce Delcev University, North Macedonia

Mailing Address:
Department of Plant Protection and Environment,
Faculty of Agriculture,
Goce Delcev University,
Stip, Krste Misirkov No. 10-A, P.O. Box 201, Stip – 2000,
Republic of North Macedonia

E-mail: biljana.atanasova@ugd.edu.mk

Ilija Karov, Goce Delcev University, North Macedonia

Mailing Address:
Department of Plant Protection and Environment,
Faculty of Agriculture,
Goce Delcev University,
Stip, Krste Misirkov No. 10-A, P.O. Box 201, Stip – 2000,
Republic of North Macedonia

E-mail: ilija.karov@ugd.edu.mk

Dusan Spasov, Goce Delcev University, North Macedonia

Mailing Address:
Department of Plant Protection and Environment,
Faculty of Agriculture,
Goce Delcev University,
Stip, Krste Misirkov No. 10-A, P.O. Box 201, Stip – 2000,
Republic of North Macedonia

E-mail: dusan.spasov@ugd.edu.mk

Sasa Mitrev, Goce Delcev University, North Macedonia

Mailing Address:
Department of Plant Protection and Environment,
Faculty of Agriculture,
Goce Delcev University,
Stip, Krste Misirkov No. 10-A, P.O. Box 201, Stip – 2000,
Republic of North Macedonia

E-mail: sasa.mitrev@ugd.edu.mk

Emilija Arsov, Goce Delcev University, North Macedonia

Mailing Address:
Department of Plant Protection and Environment,
Faculty of Agriculture,
Goce Delcev University,
Stip, Krste Misirkov No. 10-A, P.O. Box 201, Stip – 2000,
Republic of North Macedonia

E-mail: emilija.arsov@ugd.edu.mk

Dragica Spasova, Goce Delcev University, North Macedonia

Mailing Address:
Department of Plant Production,
Faculty of Agriculture,
Goce Delcev University,
Stip, Krste Misirkov No. 10-A, P.O. Box 201, Stip – 2000,
Republic of North Macedonia

E-mail: dragica.spasova@ugd.edu.mk

Mite Ilievski, Goce Delcev University, North Macedonia

Mailing Address:
Department of Plant Production,
Faculty of Agriculture,
Goce Delcev University,
Stip, Krste Misirkov No. 10-A, P.O. Box 201,
Stip – 2000, Republic of North Macedonia

E-mail: mite.ilievski@ugd.edu.mk

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Published

25-08-2026

How to Cite

[1]
B. Atanasova, “First Record of Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in the Republic of North Macedonia”, C. R. Acad. Bulg. Sci., vol. 79, no. 8, pp. 1149–1154, Aug. 2026.

Issue

Vol. 79 No. 8 (26)

Section

Agricultural Sciences

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