Plum Curculio
- Pronunciation
- /PLUM KER-kew-LEE-oh/
- Category
- Pest
- Singular
- Plum Curculio
- Plural
- Plum Curculios
Definition
A major pest of stone fruits, particularly plums and cherries, characterized by its distinctive curved snout.
Etymology
From the Latin words 'prunum' (plum) and 'curculio' (weevil), referring to the insect's feeding habits.
Example
Plum curculio larvae feed on the interior of fruit, causing significant economic damage to stone fruit orchards.
Related Terms
- Stone fruits
- Fruit pests
- Curculionidae
Usage Notes
Plum curculio populations are influenced by factors such as crop abundance and insecticide resistance.