Rice Weevil

Sitophilus oryzae

Rice weevil

Rice weevil (Jennifer C. Giron Duque, University of Puerto Rico, Bugwood.org)

Rice weevil

Rice weevil damage (Clemson University, Bugwood.org)

Rice weevils

Rice weevils on host (Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org)

Identification

  • 1/16 – 1/8 inch long
  • dull reddish brown
  • deep pits covering the pronotum (area behind the head)
  • four light spots on wing covers
  • strong fliers
  • tuck in legs and remain motionless when disturbed
  • larvae: white, legless grubs with brown head capsules

Nesting Habits

  • lay eggs inside of grain and other products
  • larvae develop inside grain and other products

Diet

  • corn, wheat, rice, beans, nuts, cereals, rye, barley, buckwheat, bird seed, pet food and stored cotton and wheat products

Significance

  • one of the most important pests of stored products

IPM Recommendations

  • Locate and dispose of infested food items.
  • Properly store all susceptible food items in pest-proof containers.
  • Inspect all incoming food items for pests.
  • Clean all spilled food products and food storage areas in general.
  • Keep food in regular rotation.

Additional Resources

IPM for Fabric and Pantry Pests: Integrated Pest Management in Sensitive Environments (University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension)