weevils

Weevils are beetles in the family Curculionidae, part of the larger superfamily Curculionoidea. They are among the most diverse groups of beetles, with thousands of described species that range in size from small to relatively large. A defining feature of many weevils is an elongated snout or rostrum, with chewing mouthparts at the tip, and elbowed antennae typically located on the snout.

Most weevils are plant feeders, and they occupy a wide variety of habitats. Many species specialize on seeds, fruits, stems, or leaves, while others bore into wood or stored products. Some weevils are important agricultural pests, including stored-product pests such as granary weevil (Sitophilus granarius), rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae), and maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais), as well as field pests like the cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis) and various vine weevils that affect ornamentals and crops.

Life cycle and biology follow a typical beetle pattern of complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Females often lay eggs in plant tissue or seeds, and larvae develop inside the plant material or other substrates, causing damage before pupating and emerging as adults.

Management and control rely on integrated pest management approaches. Practices include sanitation and removal of infested material, crop rotation, resistant plant varieties, and monitoring with traps or inspections. When necessary, chemical treatments are used judiciously, and biological control with natural enemies such as predators, parasitoids, or entomopathogenic organisms can help reduce populations. Weevils are distributed worldwide, with many species adapted to specific climates and crops.