Adult weevils range in length from 0.95 to 1.90 cm (3/8 to 3/4 inch).
They are black with minute white, red-orange, and yellow scales on the elytra (wing covers). These scales are frequently rubbed off the tops of ridges on the elytra, producing the impression of black stripes on a light-colored background.
Adults emerge from pupae in the earth armed with a pair of deciduous mandibles that break off as they burrow through the dirt to come above ground. Scars are evident under a microscope at the place where the deciduous mandibles break off.
Territory:
The lower Antilles are home to Diaprepes abbreviatus, which may be found in Florida, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. Diaprepes abbreviatus was thought to be a problem solely in central Florida when it was introduced into Florida; however, this was not the case. Currently, the southern two-thirds of the state are the only ones considering it to be an issue.
Damages caused by Diaprepes Root Weevil:
The damage caused by the diaper’s root weevil extends to a plant’s leaves and roots. Adult weevils cause harm to leaves by excavating semicircular holes along the leaf margins with their gnawing. You could also find frass or weevil droppings in close proximity to places that have been fed upon. The larva, which resembles grubs, feeds on the roots of a plant, which might ultimately result in the plant’s demise.
Life history and habits:
A single Diaprepes abbreviatus female can lay up to 5,000 eggs in her three to four-month-long life. Eggs are placed in clusters of 30 to 265 and are encased within folded and glued leaves or two glued together leaves. The newborn larvae emerge from the eggs in seven to eight days, exit the cluster, and fall from the leaves into the ground. Adults emerge from the earth, search for a host, and mate as conspecifics congregate on the host. It is believed that its seasonality in South Florida is significantly different due to similarities with the Caribbean, where it may be found all year.
