Colour variation linked to host-plants in the endemic beetle currently known as Ceutorhynchus contractus (Marsham, 1802) form pallipes Crotch, 1866 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on Lundy, Devon
Uniquely in Britain, the small island of Lundy has an endemic plant that supports two species of beetles that are also endemic. The Lundy Cabbage Weevil (currently called Ceutorhynchus contractus form pallipes) was originally distinguished from mainland C. contractus by its yellow legs, but genetic and morphological studies have shown that f. pallipes can have either black or yellow legs. Over a period of 25 years we monitored the frequencies of the two colour varieties on its two main food plants, Coincya wrightii and Cochlearia danica. Consistent differences were maintained, with roughly equal colour frequencies on Coincya wrightii and black individuals more common on Cochlearia danica, even when host-plants were growing close together. We provide possible explanations for this persistent but enigmatic difference.