Rice Weevil
Although rice weevils are not known to cause direct harm to humans, their destructive feeding habits can lead to famine. Contrary to their name, rice weevils feed on a variety of grains, including barley, wheat, corn, oats, rye and sorghum. They may even infest processed, cereal goods such as macaroni.
Each female rice weevil is capable of laying four eggs a day and can produce up to 300 eggs in her lifetime. Females perforate kernels or seeds in order to lay single eggs inside. After doing so, the affected grain is sealed with gelatinous secretions. Larvae consume the kernel from the inside out, leaving behind an emptied husk.
In colder temperatures, the development cycle of the rice weevil may span more than 32 days. However, on average, larvae emerge within three days and develop into pupae within 18. Six days afterwards, adults emerge from the husk. Adults may live as long as six months.
Adult rice weevils measure approximately four millimeters in length and are reddish-brown in color. Their wings feature faint yellow or red patterns. Deep, irregular pits are found behind the heads of these weevils and their snouts can grow as long as one millimeter. Rice weevils are troublesome pests in warm, agricultural habitats such as the Southern United States.
