Eastern Pine Weevil

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pissodes nemorensis: //pɪˈsoʊdiːz ˌnɛməˈrɛnsɪs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Summary

Pissodes nemorensis, known as the eastern pine weevil or deodar weevil, is a true weevil species that primarily affects coniferous trees. It is recognized by its distinctive coloration and snout. A pest of forested areas, it poses economic risks by damaging stressed trees, mostly during the winter months.

Physical Characteristics

Adults are approximately 7mm long, rusty red to grayish brown. They have a long snout, small head, elbowed clubbed antennae, and two distinct white spots on the thorax. Larvae are plump, white, and ridged with an amber to brown helmet head. Pupae are creamy white and similar in size and shape to adults, but with crumpled legs beneath the proboscis.

Identification Tips

Look for the long snout and clubbed antennae. The presence of two distinct white spots on the thorax and the unique coloring of the body can help in identification.

Habitat

Deodar weevil typically inhabits forested areas where coniferous trees are present, particularly in stressed or unhealthy tree stands.

Distribution

Found mostly along the coastal states of Texas, Florida, and Maryland, with additional records in Kentucky and northern regions.

Diet

Adults and larvae feed on the inner bark of various coniferous trees, including deodar cedar, loblolly pine, longleaf pine, sand pine, shortleaf pine, slash pine, and spruce pine.

Life Cycle

One generation per year. Adults become active in fall, mating and laying eggs in the inner bark. Larvae feed beneath the bark and pupate in chip cocoons by March. New adults emerge primarily in May and aestivate through summer before becoming active in fall.

Reproduction

Females lay one to five eggs in holes made in the bark, with a preference for stressed trees.

Ecosystem Role

Considered a forest pest that affects the health of coniferous trees in their habitat.

Economic Impact

Significant pest in forestry, particularly in southern pine management, affecting tree health and economic value.

Misconceptions

They do not typically affect healthy trees significantly; damage is mostly associated with stressed trees.

Tags

• Pest
• Forest Health
• Coniferous Trees
• Weevil