Agave Weevil – Scyphophrus acupunctatus

Agave Weevil (Scyphophrus acupunctatus) Latin Name: Scyphophrus acupunctatus Common Name: Agave Weevil/ sisal weevil, Appearance: The agave snout weevil, commonly known as the sisal, feeds on various agave species and can be especially harmful to bigger species such as century plants.

• Agave snout weevils are brownish-black beetles with a dull body that is about 6/10 inch (15 mm) long. As it befits a weevil, it features a prominent snout and gnawing mouthparts.
• The mature female enters the plant’s base to deposit eggs in the spring. These eggs grow into larvae (grubs) that feed on the succulent centre of the agave.
• The larvae, chewing mouthparts, develop in the dying plant, and pupate and frequently infect other agaves nearby. These symptoms are almost always associated with agave weevil infestations, and it is currently thought that this disease would not have developed if weevil damage had not occurred.

Territory: The agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus) is found in regions where natural agave populations exist, including temperate Arizona. Damage caused by Agave Weevil: Adults feed on host sap, which poses little damage to plant health. Discoloured, pierced areas or tiny holes on the leaves are caused by adult eating. Larvae dig into the base of hosts, causing plants to deteriorate and allowing plant diseases to enter. Infested plants frequently collapse and die due to larval feeding combined with decay microbes that inhabit injured tissue. Life history and Habits: Weevils go through four phases of development: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Adult females chew an egg-laying tunnel in the base of hosts after mating. Larvae evolve through multiple increasingly bigger instars after hatching from an egg, as they eat and tunnel in plants. Mature larvae usually leave their hosts to pupate in the dirt; however, pupae can also be found near the base of plants. When conditions are warm, one generation egg to adult can be accomplished in less than two months. Each year, there may be 4 or 5 generations.