Granary Weevil

This weevil has been a major pest for centuries. It occurs worldwide in the cooler climates, In the United States, it is usually found breeding from, and including, North Carolina northward.

Recognition

Adults are about 1/8-1/4 inch long. Their color usually is shining reddish brown but sometimes nearly black, elytra lack any pale marks. Punctures or pits on thorax elongated. Wings are vestigial; the weevil cannot fly. Male's snout/beak shorter, wider, with more distinct punctures than that of female's.

Larva are legless, white with a dark head. Thickened in middle, relatively smooth. Labial palp with less than seven apical sensory papillae.

Habits

Because its wings are vestigial, the granary weevil is confined to stored grain and primarily is transported by man. The larva typically requires a whole kernel for development but can develop in caked grain material. It attacks all kinds of grains and grain products. When disturbed, it draws its legs up to its body and plays "possum."