Cosmopolites sordidus

Definition

A weevil species (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, sometimes placed in Dryophthoridae) and the most economically significant insect pest of banana and plantain cultivation worldwide. Adults are dark, hard-bodied weevils 10–15 mm long; larvae tunnel in corms and pseudostems, causing plant death or reduced yield. Native to Southeast Asia, now pantropical in distribution wherever Musa spp. are grown.

Etymology

Genus name from Greek kosmos (world, universe) + polites (citizen), alluding to cosmopolitan distribution; specific epithet sordidus (Latin, dirty or foul) refers to the dull, soiled appearance of the adult.

Example

In East African highland banana systems, Cosmopolites sordidus populations build up in residues left in soil; integrated management combines pseudostem trapping, clean planting material, and targeted soil treatments to suppress larval damage.

Synonyms

• banana root borer
• Banana weevil
• banana borer
• Cosmopolites striatus

Related Terms

• Curculionidae
• Dryophthoridae
• Sphenophorina
• Integrated Pest Management
• Musaceae
• pseudostem
• cosmopolitan distribution
• stem borer

Usage Notes

Family placement varies: traditionally Curculionidae (subfamily Dryophthorinae), but some modern classifications elevate Dryophthorinae to family rank. The common name 'banana weevil' is widely used but imprecise—several other weevil species attack bananas. Synonym C. striatus is now rarely used.