Strawberry Root Weevil(Otiorhynchus ovatus) and Rough Strawberry Root Weevil (Otiorhynchus rugosostriatus)
Common Name: Strawberry Root Weevil/ Rough Strawberry Root Weevil
Latin Name: (Otiorhynchus ovatus)/ (Otiorhynchus rugosostriatus)
Appearance:
The weevil is about ¼ of an inch long and dark brown.
The abdomen is relatively rounded, and the weevil’s small snout is seen when viewed in profile.
The larvae consume small roots of wild and farmed strawberries, brambles, and several ornamental plants.
Adult weevils have no wings and enter homes through sloppy doors, windows, screens, and other small gaps and crevices.
Territory:
The strawberry root weevil (Otiorhynchus ovatus) is a common insect found throughout Canada and the northern United States.
Damages caused by Strawberry Root Weevil/ Rough Strawberry Root Weevil:
This feeding damage is modest and causes little harm to the plants. The larvae, which feed on the root systems of host plants during the winter and spring, caused the most harm. Root-feeding larvae can cause stunting and low yields. Plants can perish from heavy infestations.
Life history and Habits:
Weevil larvae spend the winter under the soil. During mild winters, feeding may occur. Larvae pupate, and adults emerge from April to June. Adults are nocturnal feeders that spend the day in the soil or organic material at the plant’s base before climbing up to feed on leaves at night. Adult weevils cannot fly and must instead walk or be transferred from one site to another on plant material or equipment. Furthermore, all adults are females with the ability to produce eggs. Adults move slowly and should not be mistaken for more aggressive ground beetles. From June through September, eggs are deposited in clusters in or on the earth. When the eggs hatch, the larvae wiggle through the dirt and begin eating. Each year, there is one generation.
