ScientificName: Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Fabricius)

Description: Black vine weevils are oblong oval in shape, about 1/2-inch long and have a short, broad snout with elbowed antennae. The body is slate grey to blackish brown and the wing covers have numerous small pits and short hairs.

Habitat/Food: Black vine weevils are commonly found in nursery's and or greenhouse settings. They attack plant leaves and root systems.

Life Cycle: Adults begin egg laying in July, depositing an average of 200 eggs in the soil or leaf litter during their 90-100 day lifespan. Eggs hatch in 2-3 weeks and the larvae begin to feed on small plant rootlets. As larvae mature, they begin to feed on larger roots and underground stems.

Organic Control: You can use products such as Orange Guard,Pyrethrum, and Diatomaceous Earth (DE) to control this pest

Interesting Fact: Immature larvae spend the winter in the soil. On occasion, adults overwinter.

Problems Caused:Black vine weevils attack the root system of a plant by eating it away. Black vine weevils will feed on over 100 different kinds of plants including trees, shrubs, vines and flowers.