Steremnius carinatus (Curculionidae)

the root collar weevil


Adults:

Steremnius carinatus pinned adult. Similar to Otiorhynchus sulcatus, but body more slender and slightly longer. Also, the snout is more slender. Adults completely flightless. Reddish and grayish patterns on wings covers.



Larvae:

Steremnius carinatus larva; it is apodous and similar to other Curculionid larvae. Similar to Otiorhynchus sulcatus, a brown head capsule with strong mandibles. Larva is apodous - i.e. has no legs (a characteristic feature of weevil larvae).



Damage:

Bark is stripped by Sterennius carinatus adult feeding. Larvae live in the bark of stumps and slash from recent fellings, where they feed on phloem. Adults emerge from stumps and wander out into the surrounding plantations and chew bark off seedlings. Adult weevil feeding is therefore the damaging stage to seedlings.



Principal Hosts:

Douglas-fir and Sitka spruce are preferred, but hemlock and true firs are also attacked.

Economic Importance:

This insect has caused serious economic damage on Vancouver Island as well as the Queen Charlotte Islands.

References and Links:

FC: 336-337.

See JP17.

Additional Images: