Baumwollkapselkäfer

The Baumwollkapselkäfer, scientifically known as Anthonomus grandis, is a species of weevil native to the southern United States. It is also commonly referred to as the cotton boll weevil. This insect is a significant pest of cotton crops, causing substantial economic damage worldwide. The adult weevils are small, about 6 millimeters in length, and have a distinctive long snout. They are typically gray or brown in color.

The life cycle of the cotton boll weevil involves several stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Adult females lay their eggs inside the cotton plant's squares and bolls. The larvae that hatch feed on the developing cotton seeds and fibers, causing the squares and bolls to shed prematurely. This feeding damage greatly reduces the yield and quality of cotton.

The cotton boll weevil's spread has been facilitated by human activities, particularly the movement of cotton products. Its introduction into new regions has often led to devastating impacts on local cotton industries. Control methods have included the use of insecticides, crop rotation, and the development of pest-resistant cotton varieties. Eradication programs have been implemented in some areas with varying degrees of success. The economic impact of this pest continues to be a major concern for cotton-producing nations.