#Rhyncophorus cruentatus

[platycryptus]

when was the last time you saw a weevil this big

The largest weevil in North America, the palmetto weevil (Rhyncophorus cruentatus) lays eggs in the crowns of palms, where the grubs feed and often kill their host in the process.

In Florida it’s considered a major pest due to its habit of destroying ornamental palm trees, but native palmettos and sabal palms (the weevils’ natural hosts) are rarely harmed unless they’re already stressed or damaged. It’s mostly date palms and other exotic species planted along city streets that can’t take the heat and need to be drenched with insecticide to ensure survival.

(Florida, 10/31/23)