Black Vine Weevil
Black Vine Weevil
List of files and visuals associated with this text.
The black vine weevil is sometimes called the taxus weevil and also attacks broad-leaved evergreens such as rhododendron.
The insect overwinters outdoors as a soil inhabiting larva. The adults may overwintering in homes or a similarly sheltered spot. The overwintering larvae pupate in early June. The adults emerge from the soil in mid-June and begin to lay eggs near the end of June. The eggs are laid at the base of the plant and hatch within two weeks and the larvae burrow into the soil. The larvae feed on the roots.
The adults are black, hard shelled insects with a long snout. The back appears to be ridged or grooved. The adults are white, legless grubs. The adults are shy and hide near the soil during the day.
Both adults and grubs injure plants but that caused by grubs is most serious. The adults feed on the foliage causing it to have a notched appearance. Early in the infestation the injury may be confined to interior and less obvious foliage. The larvae feed on the roots and stems. The feeding can girdle the stem, killing the plant.
Controls include Orthene.
Visuals associated with this text.
| Visual title - Visual size | Visual title - Visual size |
|---|---|
| Black vine weevil on taxus, all life stages - 20K | Black vine weevil larvae - 54K |
| Black vine weevil adult - 69K |
