Strawberry blossom weevil
About This Species
Strawberry blossom weevil is native to Europe, where it is a pest of strawberries and cane-fruits. This weevil is a recent arrival in BC and has a serious potential to disrupt the BC berry growing industry.
Adults have been found on cultivated Strawberries (Fragaria spp.) and Raspberries (Rubus spp.), on wild species of Rose (Rosa spp.), and wild berry species such as Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis), and Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus). They feed on the fruit and leaves of host plants.
Adult weevils emerge in April/May to mate. Weevil grubs feed and grow inside the buds of host plants, then emerge as adult weevils within a month. These weevils have one generation per year. Adult weevils can be found in host plants until temperatures start to drop in the fall.
How to Identify
The Strawberry blossom weevil is a small black beetle, between 2-3 mm long. They have an armored body with ridges going down their backs and a thin, downwards curved snout that is 1/3 of their body length.
Larvae mature inside flower buds and exit the buds when they are ready to pupate in leaf litter below the host plant. You may be able to find them by looking inside dead flower buds. The body is 1-2 mm long and milky-white with a tan head at one end.
Take Action
Prevention is the best approach.
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If you need advice about invasive species on your property or you are concerned about reported invasives in your local area, contact your local government or regional invasive species organization.
prevention tips
If you see a weevil or find evidence of weevil damage on your property, do not move soil, leaf litter, or any potential host plants off your property.
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