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Polydrusus spp.

Polydrusus spp. weevil adult. Photo: Steven Katovich, Bugwood.
Scientific Name: 
Polydrusus spp.
Common Name: 
Polydrusus Weevil
Growing Degree Days (GDD's): 
400–1000 GDD's, Base 50F, March 1st Start Date (Source: Robert Childs, UMass Extension.)
Host Plant(s) Common Name (Scientific Name): 
Alder (Alnus spp.)
American hazel (Corylus spp.)
Apple (Malus spp.)
Aspen (Populus spp.)
Basswood/linden (Tilia spp.)
Beech (Fagus spp.)
Birch (Betula spp.)
Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.)
Cherry (Prunus spp.)
Dogwood (Cornus spp.)
Elm (Ulmus spp.)
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
Hazel (Corylus spp.)
Hophornbeam (Ostrya spp.)
Oak (Quercus spp.)
Pear (Pyrus spp.)
Plum (Prunus spp.)
Poplar (Populus spp.)
Raspberry (Rubus spp.)
Rose (Rosa spp.)
Willow (Salix spp.)
Insect Description: 

There are over 180 known species of Polydrusus weevil, four of which are native to the United States. Two non-native, introduced species of weevil in the genus Polydrusus are potential pests of ornamentals, urban street trees, and occasionally fruit crops. Both Polydrusus formosus and P. impressifrons were introduced into North America from Europe in the early 1900's. Both are found in the northeastern United States. Adult weevils of these two species feed on the leaves and buds of some hardwood and fruit trees. Adult weevils of P. formosus are slightly bigger (0.2-0.27 inches) than P. impressifrons (0.15-0.22 inches). Both have a brilliant green, iridescent color, with subtle differences to the black markings on the elytra (hardened wing covers). In both species, a single generation per year is known in New England. Adults emerge from the soil by late May/early June and feed on host plant buds or leaves through August. In southern New England, adult activity may be particularly noticeable from June to July during the daytime. Adult female weevils lay groups of tiny, white, cylindrical eggs on the surface of the soil beneath host plants or in the cracks and crevices of the bark. Females may lay anywhere from 800-2,000 eggs in their lifetime. Eggs hatch, and the larvae (immature weevils) feed on the roots of their host plants. They overwinter in this life stage and pupate the following spring before emerging again as adult weevils.

Damage to Host: 

Adult weevil feeding causes damage to host plant leaves and buds. On larger trees and shrubs, feeding from these insects is typically rarely noticeable. Young trees are the most susceptible to feeding by these weevils, and may on occasion suffer noticeable feeding damage. Larval feeding on host plant roots is not known or thought to cause significant damage to the trees or shrubs.

Monitoring: 

Visually monitor for the presence of adult weevils on susceptible host plants, particularly between June and July.

Cultural Management: 

If large numbers of adult weevils are present on young trees, hand picking and destroying or dropping them into a can of soapy water can help mechanically reduce the population on younger, smaller host plants.

Natural Enemies & Biological Control: 

A parasitoid wasp in the family Braconidae (Diospilus polydrusi) was introduced into North America in an attempt to kill the eggs of Polydrusus formosus.

Chemical Management: 

Azadirachtin (NL)

Beauveria bassiana (NL)

Bifenthrin (NL)

Cyantraniliprole (NL)

Entomopathogenic nematodes (L)

Flonicamid+cyclaniliprole (N)

Isaria (paecilomyces) fumosoroseus

Metarhizium anisopliae (robertii) (NL)

Neem oil (NL)

Permethrin (L)

Tau-fluvalinate (NL)

Notes: 

Chemical management of these weevils may not be necessary. It is typically not needed on larger, mature trees or shrubs. Smaller, young trees or new plantings may need to be monitored in areas where these insects have historically or recently been active.

Active ingredients that may be applied systemically include: azadirachtin (injection, soil drench), cyantraniliprole (soil drench, soil injection), Metarhizium anisopliae (robertii) (soil drench), and neem oil (soil drench).

Make insecticide applications after bloom to protect pollinators. Applications at times of the day and temperatures when pollinators are less likely to be active can also reduce the risk of impacting their populations.

Note: Beginning July 1, 2022, neonicotinoid insecticides are classified as state restricted use for use on tree and shrub insect pests in Massachusetts. For more information, visit the MA Department of Agricultural Resources Pesticide Program.

Read and follow all label instructions for safety and proper use. If this guide contradicts language on the label, follow the most up-to-date instructions on the product label. Always confirm that the site you wish to treat and the pest you wish to manage are on the label before using any pesticide. Read the full disclaimer. Active ingredients labeled "L" indicate some products containing the active ingredient are labeled for landscape uses on trees or shrubs. Active ingredients labeled "N" indicate some products containing the active ingredient are labeled for use in nurseries. Always confirm allowable uses on product labels. This active ingredient list is based on what was registered for use in Massachusetts at the time of publication. This information changes rapidly and may not be up to date. If you are viewing this information from another state, check with your local Extension Service and State Pesticide Program for local uses and regulations. Active ingredient lists were last updated: September 27, 2024. To check current product registrations in Massachusetts, please visit the MA Department of Agricultural Resources Pesticide Product Registration page and click on "Search Pesticide Products Registered in Massachusetts - Kelly Solutions".