curculio

Curculio is a genus of true weevils in the family Curculionidae. Members are typically small to medium-sized beetles with an elongated snout (rostrum) and elbowed antennae. They are herbivores that feed on seeds and fruits, and many species lay eggs in developing plant tissue.

Distribution and habitat: Curculio species occur in temperate regions worldwide, with the greatest diversity in North America and Europe. Adults overwinter in leaf litter or soil and become active in spring.

Life cycle and behavior: Females use their rostrum to puncture or slit seeds or fruit to lay eggs. The eggs hatch into larvae that develop inside the seed or fruit, feeding on the developing tissue. Pupation occurs in the fruit or surrounding substrate, and new adults emerge to repeat the cycle.

Ecological role: Curculio several species are seed predators and can influence fruit set and seed viability. They participate in natural plant population dynamics and can become pests when they attack cultivated crops.

Economic significance: Several species are considered orchard and nut pests. They can cause premature fruit drop, malformation, and quality loss, particularly for plums, apples, pecans, and acorns. Management relies on sanitation (removal of fallen fruit or nuts), timed insecticide applications aligned with adult activity, and monitoring tools such as pheromone or flight traps.

Taxonomic notes: The common name plum curculio is associated with Conotrachelus nenuphar in North America, a species historically placed in Curculio in older classifications. The genus Curculio proper includes several species that attack seeds and nuts.