Polydrusus weevil

Polydrusus impressifrons, also known as the the leaf weevil or pale green weevil, is sometimes found in large numbers in nurseries in the late spring/early summer. This weevil is European in origin and first found in New York in 1906. They are reported to feed on leaves of trees such as apple, birch, black locust, elm, linden, oak, peach, pear, plum, poplar, rose, strawberry and willow (Beers et al, 2003). They are rarely considered a pest but shade tree growers might want to inspect for terminal feeding and loss. Their feeding can be more of a problem on smaller, liner-sized plant material. Their larvae feed on roots.

References:

Beers, E., M. Klaus, A. Gebhard, S. Cockfield, Rich Zack, and C. O'Brien. 2003. Proceedings of the 77th Annual Western Orchard Pest & Disease Management Conference

Very nice shot of the weevil's mandibles can be found at this site (language is French but the picture is universal)

Nice images of various Polydrusus weevil species along with helpful hints to distinguish P. sericeus and P. impressifrons are available at the BugGuide webpage on these weevils.

Adult Polydrusus (image more true to color)

Photo: Tom Townsend

Side shot of Polydrusus

Photo: Thirza Collins

Ventral shot of Polydrusus

Photo: Thirza Collins

Mating Polydrusus on river birch

Photo: Rosetta

Mating weevils with frass and damage

Photo: Rosetta

Polydrusus egg mass

Photo: Ken Gray

Polydrusus weevil feeding on river birch

Photo: Rosetta

Polydrusus damage

Ken Gray

Polydrusus damage on river birch

Photo: Rosetta

Page last modified 4/26/07