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Home > Japanese giant weevil

Photo By Stu's Images , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

Japanese giant weevil

Sipalinus gigas

A species of Sipalinus

Sipalinus gigas can reach a length of 0.47–1.18 in. The surface is covered with brownish crusty coating. Beak is moderately arcuate and punctured. Pronotum is longer than wide. Elytra shows dark brown stripes with whitish areas bearing tubercles.

General Info About Japanese giant weevil

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Attributes of Japanese giant weevil

Colors

Black

Gray

White

Habitat

dying, felled or decaying tree

Adult Food Sources

Crops (e.g., wheat, corn), nuts (e.g., acorns, chestnuts), fruits, plant stems, and bark.

Larva Food Source

Plant roots, stems, grains like wheat or maize, tubers, and seedlings.

Biting/stinging

Not reported

Allergy-causing

Not reported

Defensive attack

Not reported

Venomous

Not reported

Non-poisonous

The Japanese giant weevil is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.

Borer

The Japanese giant 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 Japanese giant 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 Japanese giant weevil

It can be found in Korea, China, Japan, Himalayas, India and islands of Australasia, from Philippines to New Guinea, Solomon islands and eastern Australia.

Distribution Area of Japanese giant weevil

Korea, China, Japan, Himalayas, India, islands of Australasia, Philippines, New Guinea, Solomon islands, eastern Australia

Life Cycle of Japanese giant weevil

Egg During the egg stage, the japanese giant weevil begins life encased within a protective shell. The eggs are typically small, oval, and may be laid singly or in clusters, often on a food source.

Larva As larvae, japanese giant weevils exhibit a worm-like appearance, lacking true legs and wings. The primary function during this period is feeding and growth, molting several times as they increase in size.

Pupal The pupal stage sees japanese giant weevils encased in a cocoon or puparium, where metamorphosis occurs. This stage entails significant transformation, with tissue reorganization leading to adult structures.

Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult japanese giant weevil is characterized by hardened exoskeleton and wing development. At this stage, japanese giant weevil is fully formed and capable of flight, with a focus on feeding and reproduction.

Adult Size of Japanese giant weevil

1.2 - 3 cm

Predators of Japanese giant weevil Larvae

Birds, rodents, coleopteran predators like lady beetles, predatory hemipterans, parasitoid wasps

Predators of Adult Japanese giant weevil

Birds, mammals, reptiles, larger beetles, spiders, predatory hemipterans, parasitoid wasps

Interesting Facts About Japanese giant weevil

Adult japanese giant weevil emit a peculiar clicking sound as a defense mechanism when threatened, a startling audio tactic rarely observed in their insect order.

Scientific Classification of Japanese giant weevil

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Tips for Finding Japanese giant weevil

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Youth Habitat of Japanese giant weevil

Tropical Rainforests, Rotting and Decaying Matter, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas

Adult Habitat of Japanese giant weevil

Tropical Rainforests, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas

How Can You Attract Japanese giant weevil

Adult japanese giant weevil might be attracted to baits such as fermenting fruits or tree sap, which are typically part of their diet.

Habitat Preferences of Japanese giant weevil Through Different Life Stages

Eggs of japanese giant weevil are typically laid in the grain kernels of host plants, so searching for eggs requires examining stored grains or inside grain heaps. Larvae, which bore into the kernels to feed, are found within the same environments, making grain storage facilities or farms prime locations. Pupation also occurs within the kernel, hence, to find pupae, dissecting affected grains would be necessary. Adult japanese giant weevil, having emerged from the kernels, are often located near the vicinity of infested grains, such as in granaries, warehouses, and fields. To observe different stages, one must meticulously inspect grains at various levels of storage and handling.

When is the Best Time to Observe Japanese giant weevil

The most suitable time for finding adult japanese giant weevil is during the night or at dusk when they are most active.

What is the Best Weather to Observe Japanese giant weevil

Moist, mild weather conditions are preferable for finding japanese giant weevil, as they provide a suitable environment for the creature's activity and development.

How and Where Can You Find Japanese giant weevil at Different Life Stages

Larva Japanese giant weevil larvae can be found beneath the bark of host trees or within the wood. Look for signs of boreholes or frass (wood debris) on the tree trunks.

Pupal Japanese giant weevil pupae are typically located in a chamber within the wood where the larval stage developed. Locate these by examining any exposed wood or by peeling back loose bark from dead or dying trees.

Adult Japanese giant weevil adults can be found on tree trunks, around wounds in the trees, or near light sources at night. Use a light trap or inspect tree trunks during dusk or nighttime.