PestHigh Severity

Black Vine Weevil

Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The most destructive and widespread weevil species, also known as Taxus weevil due to its preference for yew. This flightless weevil feeds on over 100 plant species and has populations consisting entirely of females in North America.

Peak Season: Adults active late May through fall, larvae active in soil year-round
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Black Vine Weevil adult and larval damage on yew and other plants

Identification & Symptoms

What to Look For

Crescent-shaped notches along leaf margins from adult feeding
Yellowing leaves and stunted growth from larval root feeding
Plant death in severe infestations
More extensive damage visible on narrow-leaf evergreens
Girdling of stems when larvae feed near soil surface
Adults hiding in mulch and leaf litter during day

Potential Damage

Adult feeding creates characteristic crescent-shaped notches on leaves
Larvae tunnel through soil feeding on roots and bark
Root damage causes yellowing, stunting, and potential plant death
Most extensive larval damage occurs in spring before pupation
High populations may force larvae to surface, causing stem girdling
Adult feeding rarely causes serious injury compared to larval damage

Lifecycle

Adults emerge late May to early June, living several months. After 2-3 weeks of feeding, females begin laying up to 500 eggs in soil 1-15 inches deep near host roots starting late July. White grubs emerge in 10-14 days, feed on roots through summer, overwinter as pre-pupae, resume feeding in spring before pupating. One generation per year.

Professional Treatment Approach

1

Systemic insecticide injection for protection against larvae

2

Foliar treatments for adult control

3

Remove mulch and debris that provide daytime hiding places

4

Monitor for adult emergence in late spring

5

Biological control with beneficial nematodes for larvae

Recommended Mauget Products

Imicide

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against black vine weevil.

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Dinocide

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against black vine weevil.

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