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Obscure Root Weevil – Sciopithes obscures

Written by Amisha on .

Obscure Root Weevil (Sciopithes obscures) Common Name: Obscure Root Weevil Latin Name: Sciopithes obscures Appearance:
  • The Obscure Root Weevil (Sciopithes obscures) is a kind of root weevil. They have a short wide snout with antennae attached and range in length from around 14 inches (0.6 cm) to 12 inches (1.3 cm). They range from slate grey to blackish brown, with little yellow or white specks on their backs.
  • Root weevil eggs are placed around the base of host plants in the soil and hatch in 10 to 14 days. Eggs are spherical and less than 1 mm long; they are white at first, then pale brown after a few days. Each adult root weevil can lay up to 500 eggs throughout the growing season.
  • Root weevil larvae are C-shaped, legless, and filthy white with a black head. They may be found down to ten inches deep in the earth and have one generation each year. However, various life stages can coexist. Larvae are the most damaging life cycle stage, feasting on roots and lower stems.
  • Adult root weevils have a short, wide snout with antennae attached, and their colours range from slate grey to blackish brown, with occasional yellow or white specks on their backs. During the day, the adult root weevil may remain among the leaves rather than going down the plant trunk to hide.
Territory: Obscure Root Weevil is found in North America Damages caused by Obscure Root Weevil: The plant’s leaves have noticeable notches around the margins that indicate the presence of weevils. Depending on the severity of the notches, the leaf margins might become jagged and unappealing! In most cases, the damage is only cosmetic, and the plant’s health is not in danger. However, many plants end up with a significant amount of chewing on their leaves, even if only a few notches are visible. Damage can be particularly severe in container-grown plants, and an infestation in nurseries might prohibit plants from being sold. Life history and habits: Root weevil eggs are laid near the base of host plants in the soil and hatch in 10 to 14 days. Eggs are round and less than 1 mm long, white at first, then pale brown after a few days. Adult root weevils have a short, broad snout with antennae attached, and their backs are slate grey to blackish brown with occasional yellow or white spots.