sweetpotato weevil
(Cylas formicarius (Fabricius, 1798))

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Overview

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Origin

The origin of Cylas formicarius is not definitely known, but it is thought it may have originated in Africa or India.

Life Cycle

Adults are ant-like, shiny, blue-black, snout beetles whose "waist" and legs are bright orange-red. They are about 0.24 in. (6 mm) long. Larvae are legless, white to cream colored with a pale brown head. Larvae are about 0.35 in. (9 mm) long. Breeding is continuous throughout the winter, especially in potatoes in storage. Eggs are laid singly in small cavities eaten out in the stem or tuber. Eggs hatch in less than a week and larvae feed inside for two to three weeks. Pupation occurs in the potatoes. The pupal stage lasts about a week to 10 days. There can be as many as eight generations per year.

Distribution

Cylas formicarius is found throughout the coastal plain of the Southeast from North Carolina to Texas. It also is found in Hawaii and Puerto Rico, and widely around the world in tropical regions.

Control Efforts

Insecticides, cutural practices and biological controls are being used or researched for control of this pest.

Resources

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• Sweetpotato Weevil - Cylas formicarius elegantulus (Summers) - University of Georgia

Selected Images

Invasive Listing Sources

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No reference that we have lists this species as invasive in North America. This species is included for comparison to other species that are considered invasive.

References

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Common Name Reference: Common Names of Insects and Related Organisms

Scientific Name Reference: Nomina Insecta Nearctica Database