Black Vine Weevil

Need to know

  • Black vine weevils are an oblong oval shape and about a half-inch long that ocassionally wander into homes. 
  • The black vine weevil can not bite, sting or carry diseases, and are usually only harmless accidental home invaders.
  • Susceptible plants in the landscape should be watched for signs of weevil feeding in early summer, but treatment of infested plants in Iowa has not been necessary to this date.

Description of black vine weevils

Black vine weevil is one of our less common accidental invaders.  Black vine weevils are oblong oval in shape, about 1/2-inch long and have a short, broad snout with elbowed antennae. The body is slate gray to blackish brown and the wing covers have numerous small pits and patches of short yellow hairs.

Image of three black vine weevils
Three black vine weevils 

Life cycle of black vine weevils 

Adult black vine weevils will feed on over 100 different kinds of plants but prefer yews (Taxus) and rhododendrons. Taxus capitata seems to be particularly susceptible to attack. Adult feeding causes small crescent-shaped notches along the leaf margins. Black vine weevil adults develop from white legless larvae that live in the soil under infested plants. The larvae feed on young, tender roots. Leaf feeding by adults seems to have little effect on plant health. Heavy infestations of larvae may cause stunting or the death of infested plants.

Damage caused by black vine weevils

Only females are known in North America, and one generation occurs outdoors annually. They are easily transported in potted plants or transplants using a soil root ball. As mentioned, the black vine weevil has been troubling in Iowa as a harmless annoyance indoors after wandering in from infested plants in the landscape. The black vine weevil can not bite, sting or carry diseases. It does not feed on or damage the house structure, its contents or occupants. It is only a pest because of its presence. These weevils can not fly but they are very active walkers. They are most active at night. Black vine weevils found indoors need only be swept or picked up and discarded.

Management of black vine weevils

Spraying is unnecessary and generally ineffective. Susceptible plants in the landscape should be watched for signs of weevil feeding in early summer. Treatment of infested plants in Iowa has not been necessary to this date.

Do you live in Iowa and have an insect you would like identified?

The Iowa State University Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic will identify your insect, provide information on what it eats, life cycle, and if it is a pest the best ways to manage them.  Please see our website for current forms, fees, and instructions on preserving and mailing insects.   

Contact information for each state's diagnostic laboratory for U.S. residents.  If you live outside of Iowa please do not submit a sample without contacting the Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic.  

 

Last Reviewed: 
December, 2021
Category: 

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