Have you ever spotted a small, elongated beetle in your pantry or garden that seems to be damaging your plants or food? Chances are, it could be a weevil. But did you know that there are different weevils in Texas?
Weevils are a beetle known for their long snouts, which they use to bore into plants or grains.
They can cause significant crop damage and are often a nuisance for homeowners.
Several types of weevils are commonly found in different state regions in Texas.
Knowing the different weevils in Texas can help you identify and control them before they cause too much damage.
In our article, we will examine the various weevils in Texas, their habits, and how to prevent or manage an infestation.
1. Tooth-nose Snout Weevil
Weevils are a type of beetle that are known for their elongated snout or rostrum.
In Texas, there are many different weevils, including tooth-nosed snout weevils.
The tooth-nosed snout weevil, known by its scientific name Trigonoscuta atomaria, is commonly found in Texas.
These weevils can be identified by their elongated snout, which is covered in small bumps or teeth.
They are typically brown or black and have a rounded body shape.
Tooth-nosed snout weevils are herbivores and feed on various plants, including cotton, alfalfa, and soybeans.
While they are not considered a major pest, large populations of tooth-nosed snout weevils can cause damage to crops and plants.
Despite their potential for crop damage, tooth-nosed snout weevils benefit the ecosystem.
They serve as a food source for many predators, including birds and insects.
Additionally, their presence can help to improve soil health by breaking down plant material and adding nutrients back into the soil.
While they may not be the most well-known weevils in Texas, tooth-nosed snout weevils play an important role in the state’s ecosystem and agricultural industry.
2. Leaf Roll Thieves Weevil
Texas is home to various weevils, including the Leaf Roll Thieves.
While these weevils in Texas may be small, they can cause significant damage to crops and plants, making them a concern for farmers and gardeners alike.
Leaf Roll Thieves, or Apion rostrum, is a type of weevil found throughout Texas.
These insects are typically dark brown or black and measure only 2-3mm long.
They get their name from their tendency to roll leaves into a tube-like shape, which they use as a shelter and feeding site.
Leaf Roll Thieves feed on legumes, including beans, peas, and clover.
They use their long snouts to pierce the plant tissue and suck out the sap, which can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and even death in severe cases.
While these weevils in Texas may not be as well-known as other pests, they can still cause significant damage to crops and plants.
If you notice leaf rolling or other signs of weevil damage, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent further harm.
3. Pear-shaped Weevil
Texas is home to various weevils, including the pear-shaped weevil.
This type of weevil is known for its distinctive shape, which resembles a pear and can be found throughout the state.
Pear-shaped weevils are typically found in wooded areas and can be identified by their elongated snouts and pear-shaped bodies.
They feed on various plants, including oak, hickory, and pecan trees.
While they may not cause significant damage to trees, they can be a nuisance to homeowners and gardeners.
To control pear-shaped weevils, it is important to remove fallen leaves or debris from around trees and use insecticides as needed.
While these weevils may be a minor pest in Texas, they are an interesting and unique part of the state’s diverse insect population.
4. New York Weevil
Weevils are a type of beetle commonly found in Texas. The New York weevil is one of the specific weevils in Texas that has been causing damage to crops and vegetation.
The New York Weevil, also known as the strawberry root weevil, is a small, dark-colored beetle about 1/4 inch long.
It is known to feed on the roots of plants, damaging crops such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
The larvae of the New York Weevil can also damage plants by feeding on their roots, which can lead to stunted growth and even death.
This type of weevil is native to the northeastern United States.
Still, it has been spreading to other regions, including Texas, where it has become a growing concern for farmers and gardeners.
To control the spread of the New York Weevil in Texas, preventative measures such as monitoring plants for signs of infestation and using insecticides when necessary are important.
In addition, planting crops that are resistant to the New York Weevil can also help to minimize damage.
While this type of weevil can be a nuisance for farmers and gardeners, taking proactive steps to control its spread and protect crops can help to ensure a healthy and thriving agricultural industry in Texas.
5. Short-horned Weevil
Short-horned weevils are a type of weevil commonly found in Texas.
These weevils are known for their short antennae, typically less than half the length of their bodies. They are diverse weevils, with over 60 species found in Texas alone.
Short-horned weevils can be found in various habitats, including grasslands, forests, and wetlands.
They feed on various plants, including grasses, shrubs, and trees. Some species are considered pests, as they can cause damage to crops and ornamental plants.
However, others, such as pollinators and decomposers, are important in the ecosystem.
Despite their small size, short-horned weevils are a fascinating and important part of Texas’ diverse insect population.
6. Fruit and Seed Weevil
Fruit and seed weevils are a type of weevil commonly found in Texas.
These weevils in Texas are known for their destructive feeding habits, which can cause significant damage to crops and plants.
Fruit and seed weevils are particularly attracted to fruits, nuts, and seeds and can be found feeding on a wide range of plants, including pecans, almonds, and peaches.
Fruit and seed weevils are small insects, typically measuring less than half an inch in length, and can be identified by their elongated snouts and distinctive body shape.
Implementing preventative measures, such as removing infested plants and using insecticides, is important to control fruit and seed weevils.
Farmers and gardeners in Texas can protect their crops and ensure a healthy harvest by taking proactive steps to address fruit and seed weevils.
7. Flea Weevil
Flea weevils are also found in Texas. These small, black insects are known for their ability to jump, similar to fleas.
They are often found in grassy areas, particularly in spring and summer.
Flea weevils feed on the roots of plants, causing damage to lawns and gardens.
They are particularly attracted to Bermuda grass, commonly found in Texas.
While flea weevils can be a nuisance, they are not typically considered a serious pest and can be controlled through proper lawn maintenance and insecticides if necessary.
8. Minute Seed Weevil
Texas is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including various weevils.
One type of weevil commonly found in Texas is the Minute Seed Weevil or the Curculio minutus.
The Minute Seed Weevil is a small, dark brown weevil that measures only 2-3 mm long.
They are commonly found in fields and gardens, where they feed on the seeds of various plants, including sunflowers, asters, and goldenrods.
While they may be small, Minute Seed Weevils can cause significant damage to crops if left unchecked.
They lay their eggs inside the seeds, which can cause them to rot and become unusable.
Despite their small size, Minute Seed Weevils play an important role in the ecosystem by helping control certain plants’ growth.
However, if they become too abundant, they can cause significant damage to crops, which can negatively impact local farmers and the economy.
Monitoring and managing Minute Seed Weevil populations is important to ensure they do not cause excessive crop damage.
9. Oriental Broad-nose Weevil
Oriental Broad-nosed Weevils are a type of weevil commonly found in Texas.
These insects are characterized by their broad and flattened snouts, which they use to burrow into plant stems and lay their eggs.
The adult weevils are typically brown or black, with distinct markings on their bodies.
Oriental Broad-nosed Weevils can be a major pest for crops and ornamental plants in Texas.
They feed on various plants, including citrus, grapes, and roses, causing significant damage to the leaves and stems.
Farmers and gardeners in Texas must be vigilant when controlling these weevils in Texas to prevent widespread damage to their crops and gardens.
10. Broad-nose Weevil
Texas is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including various species of weevils. One type of weevil found in Texas is the Broad-nosed Weevil.
These weevils in Texas are known for their distinct appearance and unique behavior.
Broad-nosed Weevils are easily identifiable by their long, slender snouts and broad, rounded bodies.
They are typically black or brown, with small patches of white or yellow on their bodies. These weevils are found throughout Texas and can often be seen crawling on plants or trees.
One interesting behavior of Broad-nosed Weevils is their ability to play dead when threatened.
When faced with danger, these weevils will curl up into a ball and remain motionless, fooling predators into thinking they are dead.
This behavior is known as thanatosis and is a common defense mechanism among many species of weevils.
Despite their small size, Broad-nosed Weevils play an important role in the ecosystem, serving as pollinators and decomposers.
11. Underwater Weevil
Underwater Weevils, also known as Curculionidae, can be found in various bodies of water in Texas.
These small, aquatic insects are known for their elongated snouts, which they use to bore into plant stems and leaves to feed on the sap inside.
Underwater Weevils can be found in fresh and saltwater habitats and near aquatic plants such as water lilies and cattails.
While they may be a common sight in bodies of water across Texas, if their populations become too large, they can damage plants and crops.
Despite this, Underwater Weevils play an important role in the aquatic ecosystem as a food source for other organisms such as fish and birds.
12. Hidden Snout Weevil
Hidden Snout Weevils are also found in Texas. They are known for their long snouts, which they use to bore into plants.
These weevils are often hidden in the soil or plant debris, making them difficult to spot. They primarily feed on plant roots, damaging crops and gardens.
One of the most interesting facts about Hidden Snout Weevils is their unique defense mechanism.
When threatened, they curl into a ball and release a foul odor, which deters predators from attacking them.
Despite their small size, hidden snout weevils can cause significant damage to plants, so it is important to monitor their presence and, if necessary, take measures to control their population.
13. Flower Weevil
Weevils are a type of beetle commonly found in Texas. The Flower Weevil is one of the most fascinating species.
The Flower Weevil, also known as Anthonomus grandis, is a small beetle with a distinctively long snout.
They are typically found in gardens, meadows, and other areas with flowering plants.
Their primary food source is flower buds and pollen, which they use for sustenance and reproduction.
As they feed on the flowers, they also help pollinate them, making them an important part of the ecosystem.
However, they can also be a nuisance for gardeners who are trying to grow plants, as they can damage flowers and reduce crop yields.
One of the most interesting things about Flower Weevils is their unique mating behavior.
The male weevils use their long snouts to drill a hole in the flower bud, where they deposit a gelatinous substance.
This substance is a glue to protect the eggs that the female weevils lay inside the bud.
Once the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the flower bud until fully grown.
The adult weevils emerge from the bud, and the cycle repeats.
While Flower Weevils can be a problem for gardeners, they are also fascinating weevils in Texas that play an important role in the ecosystem.
14. Ash Seed Weevil
Ash seed weevils are a type of weevil found in Texas. These small weevils can damage ash trees by feeding on the seeds within the trees’ samaras.
Ash seed weevils are typically found in the eastern and central parts of Texas.
They are most active during the summer and can cause significant damage to ash trees if left untreated.
The adult weevils lay their eggs inside the samaras of the ash tree, and the larvae feed on the seeds inside.
This can cause the samaras to become distorted, and the seeds may not develop properly.
The damage can lead to reduced seed production and even tree death in severe cases.
It’s important to monitor for ash seed weevils and take action if an infestation is detected.
There are several options available to control ash seed weevils.
One method is to remove and destroy any infested samaras before the larvae have a chance to develop.
Another option is to apply insecticides to the tree during the growing season, which can help to prevent the weevils from laying their eggs.
Following the insecticide label instructions and using caution when applying pesticides is important.
If you’re unsure how to control weevils in a Texas infestation, consult a professional arborist or pest control expert.
15. Leguminous Seed Weevil
Texas is home to various weevils, including the leguminous seed weevil.
These small weevils in Texas can damage legume crops, which concerns farmers and agricultural professionals.
The leguminous seed weevil, also known as the cowpea weevil, feeds on legume seeds, including beans, peas, and lentils.
Adult weevils are small and brown, with a distinctive snout that they use to bore into the seeds.
Once inside, they lay their eggs, and the resulting larvae feed on the seed, causing damage and reducing yields.
In Texas, leguminous seed weevils are a concern for farmers who grow legume crops for food and animal feed.
In Texas, farmers may use insecticides or crop rotation to control these weevils and reduce the number of weevils in their fields.
Additionally, agricultural professionals may study the behavior and lifecycle of leguminous seed weevils to develop more effective control strategies.
Overall, the leguminous seed weevil is an important pest to be aware of for those involved in agriculture in Texas.
16. Ant-like Weevil
Weevils are a type of beetle that is found all over the world.
These small insects are known for their elongated snouts and their ability to cause damage to crops and stored food products.
In Texas, one type of weevil that is commonly found is the antlike weevil.
Ant-like weevils, also known as Nanophyini, are found throughout Texas.
These small weevils in Texas are named for their resemblance to ants, which is thought to provide them with some protection from predators.
Ant-like weevils are typically less than 5 mm in length and have a distinctive elongated snout, which they use to feed on plants.
They feed on various plants, including grasses, legumes, and other herbaceous plants.
Ant-like weevils are not considered a major pest in Texas, but they can damage crops in some cases.
They are also known to be important pollinators of some plant species.
Despite their small size and unassuming appearance, antlike weevils play an important role in the Texas ecosystem and are an interesting species to observe and learn about.
17. Bullbugs and Grain Weevil
Weevils are a type of beetle commonly found in Texas. They are known for their long snouts, which they use to bore into various plants and grains.
Two common weevils in Texas are billbugs and grain weevils.
Billbugs are a type of weevil known for their destructive impact on turfgrass.
They are typically found in warm, humid climates and can significantly damage lawns and other grassy areas.
Billbugs feed on the stems and roots of grass, causing the grass to turn brown and die.
These weevils in Texas are most active in the spring and summer and can be difficult to control once they have established themselves in an area.
Grain weevils, on the other hand, are a common pest in Texas homes and businesses.
They are known for their ability to infest stored grains, such as rice, wheat, and corn.
Grain weevils lay their eggs in the grains, and the larvae feed on the inside of the kernels, causing them to become discolored and moldy.
Infestations can spread quickly and be difficult to control, making prevention the best course of action.
To prevent grain weevils, store grains in airtight containers and inspect them regularly for signs of infestation.
18. Primitive Weevil
Weevils are a type of beetle found worldwide, including in Texas.
One specific type of weevil found in Texas is the primitive weevil, which has some unique characteristics that set it apart from others.
Primitive weevils belong to the family Brentidae, which is a relatively small family of weevils.
They are typically small in size, with elongated bodies and long legs.
One of the most distinctive features of primitive weevils is their long, slender snouts, which they use to feed on plants.
Unlike other weevils in Texas, primitive weevils cannot fold their snouts under their bodies, which makes them more vulnerable to predators.
Primitive weevils can be found in Texas in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
They feed on various plants, including oak trees, hickory trees, and grasses.
Despite their small size and vulnerability, primitive weevils play an important role in their ecosystems by helping to pollinate plants and providing food for other animals.
19. Leaf-rolling Weevil
Weevils are a type of beetle that is known for their long snouts and their ability to cause damage to crops and plants.
One specific type of weevil found in Texas is the leaf-rolling weevil, which can cause significant damage to trees and shrubs.
Leaf-rolling weevils are known for rolling leaves into a tube-like shape and feeding on the tissue inside the roll.
This can cause significant damage to the affected plant or tree, as the weevils can consume a large portion of the foliage.
In addition to leaf-rolling, these weevils can also damage trees by feeding on their bark and wood, weakening the plant’s overall structure.
While leaf-rolling weevils can be found in many parts of Texas, they are most commonly found in the eastern and central parts of the state.
They are known to feed on various plants, including oak, hickory, and pecan trees.
If you suspect that your plants or trees have been affected by leaf-rolling weevils, it is important to take action quickly to prevent further damage.
This may include using insecticides or other pest control methods to eliminate the weevils and protect your plants.
20. Fungus Weevil
Fungus weevils are also among the weevils in Texas that come last on our list.
These small insects are part of the family Anthribidae and are often referred to as “fungus beetles” due to their preference for feeding on fungi.
Fungus weevils have distinct elongated bodies and are typically less than 5 mm long.
Fungus weevils can be found in a variety of habitats in Texas, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
They play an important role in the ecosystem, helping to break down decomposing plant material and aiding in nutrient cycling.
While they are not considered a major pest, they can occasionally cause damage to crops and ornamental plants.
Despite their small size, fungus weevils are an important and fascinating part of Texas’s diverse insect population.
