Maize Weevil
Scientific name : Sitophilus zeamais
Family: Curculionidae
Distribution
Widely distributed throughout the world mostly in tropical and subtropical regions
Pest Type
Primary pest
Identification
Adults are 3.0–4.0 mm in length and are reddish-brown in colour. The elytra have four spots but are less distinct, and their pronotums have nearly circular punctures. They do not have a longitudinal puncture-free zone in the median. The larvae are apodous or they do not have any legs and the head is reduced. This species is very similar to S. oryzae in morphology and separating the two is a specialist job.
Life Cycle
The same as Sitophilus granarius
Commodities attacked
Cereal grains, and solid cereal products like pasta. In tropical regions, it attacks commodities prior to harvest.
Economic Importance
High, infestations can cause the grain to heat and develop moulds.
Leave a Reply