Reproduction weevils

Florida Forest Insects

The pales weevil and the pitch-eating weevil are the two most common species of reproduction weevils that occur in Florida. These insects are found throughout the eastern United States. The pitch-eating weevil is more common in Florida than the pales weevil, which is found mainly along the Gulf Coast. Reproduction weevils can cause extensive damage to recently planted pine seedlings, particularly in areas recently logged. Both species feed on pine trees which can weaken the tree and, in some case, even kill it. In severe attacks, 90% of seedlings can die.

Pitch-eating weevil: adult feeding
Photo credit: W. N. Dixon- Florida Division of Forestry

The smell of pine resin from freshly cut stumps attracts adult pine weevils to an area of pines. Weevils also search for areas with weakened or dying trees. After mating, female weevils lay eggs in lateral roots of fresh pine stumps. Five to ten days later, larvae hatch from the eggs and start to feed on surrounding roots. Six to eight weeks after hatching, the larvae mature and construct a fibrous cocoon in the sapwood or bark of tree roots. After weeks or months, adult weevils emerge from the cocoons. Adult weevils can be found year round throughout Florida.

Tree damage is caused by the adults and larvae eating parts of the tree. Adult weevils eat the tender bark of seedlings, twigs, and older trees. Larvae eat xylem and phloem as they tunnel through roots. Extensive feeding can lead to the girdling of trees.

Identifying Characteristics
Identifying the injury:	Reproduction weevils feed on the shoots and branches of small trees, creating irregular patches of missing bark. Stems may become girdled, resulting in an overall wilted appearance of the tree. Damage is most common on and around the roots of a tree.
Identifying the insect:	Adult weevils are less than 1/2" long and are dark in color. Larvae are 1/4" long or smaller. They have a white body, brown head, and no legs and can only be found in roots or stumps.
Susceptible trees:	Almost all conifers can be attacked by reproduction weevils, including all southern pines. Young seedlings are most frequently infested but older pines can also be affected. Reproduction weevils are more likely to be found in areas recently logged and Christmas tree farms. No area with pines is completely free from danger though.

Photos Click on thumbnails to see a larger image in a new window. Close the new window to return to this page.

Pales weevil: adult Photo: W. N. Dixon - Florida Division of Forestry	Pitch-eating weevil: larva Photo: W. N. Dixon - Florida Division of Forestry

[Forest Health]

[Home]