Conotrachelus nenuphar

Definition

A species of true weevil (Curculionidae: Molytinae) native to eastern North America, commonly known as the plum curculio. Adults are small, mottled gray-brown weevils with a pronounced rostrum; females cut crescent-shaped oviposition scars into developing stone and pome fruits, and larvae tunnel through flesh, rendering fruit unmarketable. The species is a major economic pest of apples, peaches, plums, cherries, and blueberries, with management relying on integrated pest management combining orchard sanitation, timed insecticide applications, and biological control.

Etymology

Conotrachelus from Greek konos (cone) + trachelos (neck), referring to the conical rostrum; nenuphar from French nénuphar (water lily), the etymology of which is obscure in this context but may allude to habitat or appearance.

Example

In Michigan apple orchards, Conotrachelus nenuphar typically produces two generations per year, with first-generation adults emerging from overwintering sites in hedgerows and migrating to orchards during petal fall to begin oviposition.

Synonyms

• Plum Curculio

Related Terms

• Curculionidae
• rostrum
• oviposition scar
• Integrated Pest Management
• economic entomology
• stone fruit pest
• true weevil

Usage Notes

The common name "plum curculio" is widely used in agricultural extension literature; in taxonomic contexts, the binomial is preferred. The species is often confused with Conotrachelus crataegi (hawthorn curculio), which has overlapping host range but distinct phenology. Formerly placed in genus Conotrachelus without subgeneric distinction; some authors recognize subgenera but this remains unsettled. Not to be confused with the European apple blossom weevil (Anthonomus pomorum), which causes superficially similar damage but lacks the crescent-shaped scar.