Insects Images Header File Graphic

Go Back to Main Page Click here to see Introductory Page current season information Information On Growing Blue Berries Varietal Specific Information Information on both Harmful and Beneficial Insect Pests that Influence Blueberry Cultivation pollination information Blueberry Disease Information Nutritional Disorders affecting Blueberries Chemical or Other Injuries Affecting Blueberries Information on Obnoxious Plants that affect blueberry crops Pest Management Topics Weather Information Industry and Other Related Links Meeting and Event Information


this site WWW

Blueberry blossom weevil
Rufus Isaacs, MSU Entomology
This is a dark reddish beetle 2 mm long with white flecks on the wing covers and a snout nose. It overwinters in wooded areas near fields and moves to blueberry bushes as early as bud swell. There is typically one generation per year in blueberry fields. This pest is most common in eastern North America.

Beetles drop to the ground when disturbed and move off plants if temperatures drop. Beetles can be scouted for on warm spring days using a white beating tray.

Feeding can occur as buds expand, but most injury occurs as flower buds open.

The female drills a hole into the flower buds, lays an egg into each drilled flower, and may also clip the pedicel. A small, legless, yellow-white grub with a brown head develops and feeds inside the flower bud, preventing flowering. The injured buds drop to the ground, where the larvae grow and then pupate. Adults develop in late spring and may feed on foliage, leaving small puncture marks.

bottom border

 Contact Us  |  Copyright Information  |  Privacy 

This site's development was funded by grants from Project GREEEN and Michigan State University
The web site was designed by Phillip Wharton and is managed by Daniel Svoboda.

Michigan Blueberry Facts logo © 2003, Michigan State University. All rights reserved.
Last Updated - 6/22/07