Weevil, << WEE vuhl, >> is the name of many kinds of beetles with a long snout. They are among the worst insect pests that attack farm crops. The cotton boll weevil, commonly called the boll weevil, is one of the most destructive insects in the United States. The name weevil is also given to the larvae (young) of these beetles. Both larvae and adult weevils cause damage.
Adult weevils are sometimes so small that they are hard to see. They have long snouts that may be longer than the rest of the body. These insects lay their eggs in the stalk, seed, or fruit of the plant. The grub then feeds on these plant parts, causing great damage.
Besides the boll weevil, there are other kinds that attack grain, fruit, clover, and alfalfa. The granary weevil is harmful to wheat and other seeds. It lays its eggs on the seed after it is stored, and the grubs burrow into the grain. The rice weevil destroys rice and other cereals in the same way. The alfalfa weevil first appeared in Salt Lake City about 1904. It has spread rapidly and causes great loss in alfalfa-growing regions every year. This insect is less than 1/4 inch (6 millimeters) long and is grayish-brown to almost black. It came to the United States from southern Europe. In its native home it has many insect enemies that attack the weevil and its eggs, and keep it in check. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imported large numbers of weevil predators (hunting animals). It has spread them among the weevils to keep down the damage to alfalfa.
There are also many kinds of fruit weevils. The plum curculio is the most important of the group that attacks apples, cherries, and plums. The wormlike larvae of these insects feed on the fruit, which falls off or spoils.
