Weevils (Curculionidae)

Weevils vary in size from very small to large. Al weevils have a characteristic well-developed snout. A good example of a well-developed snout is that of the South African cycad weevil. The female has a snout three times the length of her body. When weevils are disturbed they often play dead, but after some time, will get up and walk away. Weevils feed on the bulbs of lilies and gladioli in the garden. They also feed on young tender leaves or shoots, pollen, flowers and fruit of fruit trees and strawberries. They can cause considerable damage to soft-trunked trees such as aloes, bananas, palms and sisal. One of the best-known pests is the mango-weevil, Sternochetus. Weevils also become pests in stored foods such as grain.