alfalfa weevil

alfalfa weevil, (Hypera postica), insect pest of the family Curculionidae (order Coleoptera) whose larvae damage crops, most often alfalfa and clover. Though originally from Asia, the alfalfa weevil was introduced from Europe into the United States in the early 20th century and is now present in all 48 mainland states. The adult is dark brown to black and tiny (3 mm [0.1 inch] long) and has the typical prominent snout used by weevils to bore the small holes in which eggs are deposited. Eggs are laid in autumn, with each female producing 600 to 800 eggs. The adults overwinter, as do the eggs, which hatch in the spring. The plump, legless larva is green with a white stripe along the back. Larvae occur in large numbers and strip soft leaf and stem tissues from food plants, leaving only the network of veins. In Europe and especially in the United States, considerable crop damage is caused by generations of alfalfa weevils coming to adulthood in June and August. Pesticide use is recommended only when weevil populations are especially large. A combined strategy of crop management and biological control can often adequately manage the pest.