Insect · GBIF taxon 5010133
Diaprepes Root Weevil
Diaprepes abbreviatusAlso known as Citrus Root Weevil, Sugarcane Rootstock Borer Weevil, Chichí
Diaprepes root weevils are striking snout beetles recognized by their patterned elytral stripes, which vary in coloration from bright orange and yellow to creamy white. Adult females deposit clusters of gelatinous eggs between leaves glued together with an abdominal secretion, protecting the clutch from desiccation and surface predators. Upon hatching, the grub-like larvae drop to the soil and burrow underground, chewing girdling grooves along plant root systems for up to a year before pupating.
InvasiveBeetleHerbivorous
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sweet Orange
- Sugarcane
- Pigeon Pea
Predators
- Aprostocetus vaquitarum
- Entomopathogenic Nematodes
- Green Anole
ThreatsAgricultural pest control, parasitic wasps, and entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes
HabitatsCitrus groves, subtropical agricultural fields, gardens, and coastal lowlands
Life span1–2 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderColeoptera
- FamilyCurculionidae
- GenusDiaprepes
- SpeciesDiaprepes abbreviatus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Inspect Foliage: Look for adults clinging to the undersides of leaves or feeding along leaf margins, leaving distinct notches.
- Approach Gently: When disturbed, adults readily tuck their legs and drop straight to the ground to hide in leaf litter.
Competitor (c) Eridan Xharahi, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Host Plant Ellen Levy Finch (Elf) / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Neighbor (c) Ruestz, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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