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Alfalfa weevil

Alfalfa weevil

Hypera postica

A species of Hypera, Also known as Lucerne weevil

The alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica) is named as such because it is considered to be a major destructive force of alfalfa. Their high reproductive rate makes them a major potential problem. Because of this, there have been many considerations on how to control this pesky insect.

General Info About Alfalfa weevil
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Attributes of Alfalfa weevil
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
alfalfa plant; coarse vegetation
Adult Food Sources
Clover (trifolium spp.), alfalfa (medicago sativa), soybeans (glycine max), vetch (vicia spp.), other leguminous crops
Larva Food Source
Leaves of leguminous plants, clover (trifolium spp.), alfalfa (medicago sativa), beans (vicia spp.), lupines (lupinus spp.)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Alfalfa weevil is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Alfalfa 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 Alfalfa weevil
It can be found in alfalfa fields throughout Europe.
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Distribution Area of Alfalfa weevil
United States
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Appearance of Alfalfa weevil
The alfalfa weevil grows to a length of about 4 - 6 mm. The frons is half as wide as the rostrum while the pronotum is broadest in the centre. The general colour of the insect is brown, with a dark mid-dorsal stripe. The larva is yellowish-green, with a white dorsal stripe and faint white lateral stripes.
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How to Identify Alfalfa weevil?

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Life Cycle of Alfalfa weevil
Egg The egg stage of alfalfa weevil is characterized by a small, oval form, usually laid in clusters. They are often inconspicuous, varying in color but generally blend with their environment.
Larva In this stage, alfalfa weevil is worm-like with a soft-bodied larva, growing in size through several molts. It lacks wings and has a voracious appetite, focusing solely on feeding.
Pupal Alfalfa weevil's pupal stage involves a hard, protective cocoon where the larva undergoes a dramatic transformation. The body is motionless and metamorphosis takes place, developing adult features.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult alfalfa 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 Alfalfa weevil
3 - 6 mm
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Predators of Alfalfa weevil Larvae
Birds, rodents, predatory beetles, spiders, mantises, predatory bugs
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Predators of Adult Alfalfa weevil
Birds, rodents, spiders, predatory beetles, ants, lacewings
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Interesting Facts About Alfalfa weevil
Adult alfalfa weevil can cleverly evade predators by playing dead, folding their legs close to the body and lying motionless until the threat passes.
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Scientific Classification of Alfalfa weevil
Class
Bugs
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Order
Beetles
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Genus
Hypera
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Tips for Finding Alfalfa weevil
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Youth Habitat of Alfalfa weevil
Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Grasslands and Prairies
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Adult Habitat of Alfalfa weevil
Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Grasslands and Prairies
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How Can You Attract Alfalfa weevil
For trapping adult alfalfa weevil, food baits such as fermenting fruit or plant-based lures common to their diet can be employed.
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Habitat Preferences of Alfalfa weevil Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of alfalfa weevil are typically laid on the underside of leaves of leguminous plants, especially clover and alfalfa, where they are sheltered and have food upon hatching. The larvae, once emerged, burrow into the soil to feed on the roots of these plants, favoring well-drained, sandy soils. To locate the larvae, one would search the soil around the base of such plants. Pupation also occurs in the soil, transforming into adult weevils that can be found on or near their host plants. Adults tend to be located on the plants themselves, feeding on leaves and stems, best sought out during early morning or late evening when they are most active.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Alfalfa weevil
The best time to find alfalfa weevil is during its active seasons, typically spring and summer, when it emerges to feed and reproduce.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Alfalfa weevil
Mild, humid weather conditions are ideal for finding alfalfa weevil as they prefer moist environments and avoid extreme temperatures.
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How and Where Can You Find Alfalfa weevil at Different Life Stages
Larva Alfalfa weevil larvae reside inside plant tissues or at the soil surface near host plants. To find them, carefully inspect and dissect damaged plant parts or look for signs of feeding on or just below the soil.
Pupal Pupae of alfalfa weevil may be found in the soil or leaf litter. Unearth the soil gently around host plants or sift through leaf litter to locate their pupation sites.
Adult Adult alfalfa weevil are commonly found on or near their host plants. Search for them by examining the foliage, flowers, and fruits of potential host plants during the day.
Are Alfalfa weevil harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Alfalfa weevil
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Agricultural Pests

The larvae of alfalfa weevil can cause mild to severe damage to legumes by chewing plant tissues. Infestations weaken stems and defoliate leaves, leading to reduced crop yields. Severe infestations may result in plant death, affecting food supply and economic stability for farmers dependent on legume crops.

More Effects of Alfalfa weevil

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