The Black Vine Weevil Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Fabricus)

Curtis E. Swift, Ph.D., Colorado State University Extension

Notched edges on Lilac leaves Black Vine Weevil Otiorhynchus sulcatus

Small notches in the edges of leaves as seen with this lilac leaf, is this insect's trademark injury. While the adult beetles notch leaves of various plants, the larvae feed on plant roots. A listing of plants this insect attacks is provided.

Photos of larva and adult weevil: Department of Entomology, Oregon State University

Black Vine Weevil Larvae Otiorhynchus sulcatus

Adult Black Vine Weevil Otiorhynchus sulcatus

Family: Curculionidae
Introduced to the United States from Europe
All consist of females and are missing the hind wings and thus do not fly
The adults are 8 to 11 millimeters long (0.25 to 0.4 inches); larvae are about 11 millimeters (0.4 inches long. The adults feed at night on foliage. During the day, they hide in dark places on the stems of very dense plants or in ground litter and mulch.

Soil drenches of the systemic insecticide imidacloprid appear to be effective against the larvae that feed on the roots as well as adults.

Related Weevils:
Otiorhynchus ovatus - Strawberry Root Weevil
Otiorhynchus rugosostriatus - Rough Strawberry Root Weevil

Various authors list the following hosts

Virginia creeper

Parthenocissus
(Syn. Arapelopsis)

 azalea Azalea
begonia Begonia blackberry Rubus spp.
cranberry Vaccinium cyclamen Cyclamen
euonymus Euonymus gardenia Gardenia
geranium Pelargonium gloxinia Sinningia
grape Vitis hemlock Tsuga
lilac Syringa spp. liquidambar Liquidambar
maidenhair fern Adiantum peony Paeonia
primrose Primula raspberry Rubus
rhododendron Rhododendron. spirea Spiraea
strawberry Fragaria wisteria Wisteria
yew Taxus hosta Hosta
privet Ligustrum roses Rosa spp.

reference gif References:
Cranshaw, W., Leatherman, L., and Kondratieff, B. No Date. Insects that Feed on Colorado Trees and Shrubs. CSU Extension Bulletin 506A.
Cranshaw, W., Leatherman, D., Mannix, L., Jacobi, W., Rodriquez, C., Weitzel, D. 2000. Insects and Disease of Woody Plants of the Central Rockies. Coloado State University Extension Bulletin 506A.
Cranshaw, W. 1999. Inscect Management Recommendation Guide for Turfgrass, Shade Trees and Shrubs. Colorado State University Extension Publication XCM-38.
Dreistadt, S.H. 1994. Pests of Landscape Trees and Shrubs: An intregrated pest management guide. University of California, Publication 3359. Oakland, California. 328 pages.
Furniss, R.L., and Carolin, V.M. 1977. Western Forest Insects. USDA Forest Service Miscellaneous Publication No. 139.
Johnson, W.T. & H.H. Lyon. 1976. Insects that Feed on Trees and Shrubs: An Illustrated Practical Guide. Cornell University Press
Swan, L.A. & C.S. Papp. 1972. The Common Insects of North America. Harper & Row, Publishers.
Westcott, C. 1973. The Gardener's Bug Book, Fourth Edition. Doubleday & Company, Inc.

Placed on the Internet June 23, 1996; updated January 11, 2009