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Sweet Potato Weevil

Sweet Potato Weevil

Cylas formicarius

A species of Cylas

The sweet potato weevil is so named because it is the most serious pest affecting the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), an important tropical staple crop. If disturbed while eating, it will play dead to avoid attack from predators. This insect is controlled through good agricultural practices like separating crop fields and good sanitation, or by using insecticides and biological agents.

General Info About Sweet Potato Weevil
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Attributes of Sweet Potato Weevil
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
sweet potato; morning glory
Adult Food Sources
Sweet potato leaves, flowers, stem tissues, soft parts of crops, other available plant matter
Larva Food Source
Sweet potato roots, sweet potato vines, tubers of other plants, underground stems, bulbs
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
The Sweet Potato Weevil can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
The Sweet Potato Weevil can bore into the wood and may damage its structure, or even harm the health of trees. Stay alert if you frequently observe it in your house.
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Sweet Potato Weevil feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Sweet Potato Weevil
Widespread
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Distribution Area of Sweet Potato Weevil
Africa, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe, Northern Asia, Central America, North America, Oceania, South America, Southern Asia, the Pacific Ocean, temperate Asia
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Appearance of Sweet Potato Weevil
Sweet Potato Weevil is a small insect with a slender body. The head extends into an elongated beak like an elephant trunk.
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Life Cycle of Sweet Potato Weevil
Egg At this initial stage, the eggs of sweet Potato Weevil are laid in the environment, often on or near food sources. These are tiny, oblong, and may vary in color.
Larva The larva of sweet Potato Weevil emerge from the eggs, displaying a grub-like appearance, lacking wings, and with a voracious appetite catered towards growth.
Pupal In the pupal stage, sweet Potato Weevil encapsulates itself within a pupa and undergoes a dramatic transformation. The creature's body structure and internal systems are completely reorganized.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult sweet Potato Weevil's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Sweet Potato Weevil
5 - 7 cm
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Predators of Sweet Potato Weevil Larvae
Geckos, ants, beetles, birds
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Predators of Adult Sweet Potato Weevil
Birds, rodents, spiders, mantises
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Interesting Facts About Sweet Potato Weevil
Sweet Potato Weevil employs an unusual method of communication by tapping its head against plant matter, creating vibrations only detectable to its kind.
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Scientific Classification of Sweet Potato Weevil
Tips for Finding Sweet Potato Weevil
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Youth Habitat of Sweet Potato Weevil
Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Sweet Potato Weevil
Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Sweet Potato Weevil
To attract sweet Potato Weevil, one could use sweet potatoes or other root vegetables as they are known to infest these crops.
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Habitat Preferences of Sweet Potato Weevil Through Different Life Stages
Egg stages of sweet Potato Weevil are primarily observed within the crevices of plant stems or on the undersides of leaves, safely hidden from predators. Larvae are usually found burrowed inside roots or tubers, consuming the plant material from within. The hidden, subterranean habitat of the larvae makes them less conspicuous, requiring diligent digging and plant examination to find. Pupation occurs within the same consumed host plant, hence continuing the search in damaged roots or tubers could reveal their presence. Finally, adult sweet Potato Weevil are often spotted on or near the host plants, flourishing particularly in fields or areas where these crops are cultivated, possibly requiring nighttime searches as some adults may be nocturnal.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Sweet Potato Weevil
The most suitable time to find adult sweet Potato Weevil would be during the late afternoon or evening hours when they are most active.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Sweet Potato Weevil
Warm and humid weather conditions are generally most suitable for finding sweet Potato Weevil as these conditions are ideal for their activity and development.
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How and Where Can You Find Sweet Potato Weevil at Different Life Stages
Larva Larvae of sweet Potato Weevil can be found inside host plants, particularly root vegetables like sweet potatoes. Search by examining the roots of these plants for signs of feeding or for the larvae themselves.
Pupal Sweet Potato Weevil pupae are often found within the soil close to the host plants. Locate them by carefully digging around the root zone of infested plants.
Adult Adult sweet Potato Weevil can be spotted on or near host plants, especially during the evening. They may be lured into traps baited with host plant material or pheromones specific to sweet Potato Weevil.
Are Sweet Potato Weevil harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Sweet Potato Weevil
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Hurt Plant

The larval and adult stages of sweet Potato Weevil cause significant harm by chewing and boring into plant tissues, particularly affecting roots and stems. Regardless of the plant species, this feeding behavior can lead to widespread damage, resulting in growth retardation or even plant death if infestation levels are high.

More Effects of Sweet Potato Weevil

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