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Children's Citrus Activity: Diaprepes Root Weevil

Lauren M. Diepenbrock and Jamie D. Burrow

This Children's Citrus Activity is best viewed as a pdf.

Diaprepes weevils are a type of beetle that feeds on citrus trees and some decorative plants. These beetles came to Florida in the 1960s from the Caribbean. The larvae (babies/kids) feed underground on roots. Larvae are white and up to one inch long, and they have no legs. As larvae, their main job is to eat so they can develop into adults and leave their underground home.

Figure 1. Diaprepes larva
Figure 1.  Diaprepes larva
Credit: UF/IFAS

 

Figure 2. Diaprepes adult
Figure 2.  Diaprepes adult
Credit: UF/IFAS

Adult diaprepes weevils feed on plant leaves. On its own, one beetle will only eat a small part of the leaf, but if a lot of adults feed on the same plant, they can cause a lot of damage. This damage can be expensive to prevent and control.

Figure 3. Feeding damage by adult larva Diaprepes.
Figure 3.  Feeding damage by adult larva Diaprepes.
Credit: UF/IFAS

Directions: Help the larva exit the soil as an adult.

Directions: Color the adult Diaprepes.