Pest Photo

Boll weevil

Anthonomus grandis

Boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis) is an insect pest of cotton. It is a native of Mexico and Central America and was first detected in Texas in 1892.

These weevils lay eggs on cotton buds and flowers, which are then fed on by the larvae. Under optimal conditions there may be eight to 10 generations per season. The progeny of a single pair of weevils emerging in the spring could reach approximately 134 million, before the coming of frost, if not controlled.

For more information about this plant pest, see the CAPS data sheet.