:: Other Florida Bugs
Diaprepes Root Weevil
T. J. Weissling, J. E. Peña, R. M. Giblin-Davis and J. L. Knapp, Jr
Introduction
Diaprepes abbreviatus is a root weevil native to the Caribbean where at least 19 additional species within the genus are known. In the Caribbean, D. abbreviatus is one of the most economically important pests. It was first reported in Florida in 1964 from a nursery near Apopka. It was presumably introduced in an ornamental plant shipment from Puerto Rico. Since 1964, D. abbreviatus has spread over a large area of central and southern Florida where it is damaging to citrus, ornamental plants, and some other crops. It is estimated that D. abbreviatus causes about 70 million dollars in damage annually in Florida. Estimates show the weevil infests more than 100,000 acres of citrus.
Distribution
Diaprepes abbreviatus is found in Florida, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and the lower Antilles. At the time of introduction into Florida, D. abbreviatus was considered to be a problem only in central Florida. Currently, it is considered to be a problem in the southern two-thirds of the state.
Description
The adult weevils vary in length from 0.95 to 1.90 cm (3/8 to 3/4 inch). They are black, and overlaid by minute white, red orange, and/or yellow scales on the elytra (wing covers). These scales are often rubbed off of the tops of ridges on the elytra giving the appearance of black stripes on a light colored background. Adults emerging from pupae in the soil are armed with a pair of deciduous mandibles which break off as they tunnel through the soil to get above ground. Scars at the site where the deciduous mandibles break off are visible under a microscope.
Diaprepes abbreviatus is a root weevil native to the Caribbean where at least 19 additional species within the genus are known. In the Caribbean, D. abbreviatus is one of the most economically important pests. It was first reported in Florida in 1964 from a nursery near Apopka. It was presumably introduced in an ornamental plant shipment from Puerto Rico. Since 1964, D. abbreviatus has spread over a large area of central and southern Florida where it is damaging to citrus, ornamental plants, and some other crops. It is estimated that D. abbreviatus causes about 70 million dollars in damage annually in Florida. Estimates show the weevil infests more than 100,000 acres of citrus.
Distribution
Diaprepes abbreviatus is found in Florida, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and the lower Antilles. At the time of introduction into Florida, D. abbreviatus was considered to be a problem only in central Florida. Currently, it is considered to be a problem in the southern two-thirds of the state.
Description
The adult weevils vary in length from 0.95 to 1.90 cm (3/8 to 3/4 inch). They are black, and overlaid by minute white, red orange, and/or yellow scales on the elytra (wing covers). These scales are often rubbed off of the tops of ridges on the elytra giving the appearance of black stripes on a light colored background. Adults emerging from pupae in the soil are armed with a pair of deciduous mandibles which break off as they tunnel through the soil to get above ground. Scars at the site where the deciduous mandibles break off are visible under a microscope. |
