A to Z of Pests

Rice Weevil

Sitophilus oryzae

Appearance

• Adult – 2–3mm in length. Round indentations in the thorax. Reddish spots on the elytra. Rostrum (snout).
• Larva – usually hidden within grain and other seeds where it pupates. Legless.

Lifecycle

• About 98 days at 18°C. Will not develop below 16°C. Adults live for several months to 1 year.

Habits

• A pest of grain. Newly emerged adults leave a characteristic emergence hole in the grain.