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South American Palm Weevil
Rhynchophorus palmarum
16.9938, -89.0826
Field Notes
Description:
A large matt-black weevil, about 2" long, strong flyer, attracted to overripe fruit, where it burrows in, eating a hole intothe fruit and climbing in as it goes. This is a shy weevil, doesn't like to be uncovered and scuttles away.
Habitat:
This big weevil is a vector for palm disease, the nematode Rhadinaphelenchus cocophilus, but also does a lot of physical damage to palms and other host trees (mangoes, bananas, etc.). This beetle frequents my overripe fruit bowl as well.
Notes:
The sketch in my photos is one I did of a larva before I knew what the adult form was. It helped me identify it later.
Reference Links:
Rhynchophorus palmarum (South American palm weevil)
Species ID Suggestions
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedJanuary 20, 2016
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