Curculio obtusus

Harrington, 1881

Hazelnut Weevil

Curculio obtusus, commonly known as the hazelnut weevil, is a of true weevil in the Curculionidae. It is native to eastern North America and is one of four globally recognized hazelnut-feeding weevil species in the Curculio. The species is considered the most understudied of the hazelnut-feeding Curculio species, as commercial hazelnut production was historically not possible in its geographic range until the development of cold-hardy and - hybrid hazelnut plants. It is expected to pose increasing economic concerns as hybrid hazelnut production expands in the United States.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Curculio obtusus: //kʊrˈkuː.li.oʊ ɑbˈtuː.sʊs//

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Distribution

Eastern North America. The ' range is distinct from that of the related filbert weevil (Curculio occidentis), which occurs in western North America.

Diet

females lay into developing hazelnuts; larvae feed on the developing kernel until maturity, destroying the edible portion of the nut.

Host Associations

hazelnut - primary Females oviposit into developing nuts; larvae develop inside and consume the kernel

Life Cycle

females drill holes into developing hazelnuts to deposit . Larvae hatch and feed internally on the kernel, destroying it. Upon reaching maturity, larvae exit the nut and enter the soil to pupate. The is expected to have a similar to related Curculio species, though specific details for C. obtusus remain poorly documented.

Human Relevance

Agricultural pest of hazelnuts. Expected to become increasingly significant as commercial hybrid hazelnut production expands in the United States. Currently the most understudied of the four global hazelnut-feeding Curculio .

Similar Taxa

Curculio nucumEuropean hazelnut weevil; similar and appearance but occurs in different geographic region (Europe)
Curculio dieckmanniAsian hazelnut weevil; similar and appearance but occurs in northeast Asia and differs in coloration
Curculio occidentisFilbert weevil of western North America; similar and appearance but geographically separated, occurring west of the Rocky Mountains