Maize weevil

species of insect

The maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) is a species of beetle in the family Curculionidae. In the United States, it is called the greater rice weevil.[1][2] It lives in many tropical areas around the world, and in the United States. It is a major pest of maize.[3] This species attacks both crops that are still growing and those that have been harvested. It attacks wheat, rice, sorghum,[4][5][6] oats, barley, rye, buckwheat,[6] peas, and cottonseed. The maize weevil also attacks processed cereal products such as pasta, cAgassava,[5] and various coarse, milled grains. It has even been known to attack fruit while in storage, such as apples.[7]

Maize weevil
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain:Eukaryota
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Coleoptera
Family:Curculionidae
Subfamily:Dryophthorinae
Tribe:Litosomini
Genus:Sitophilus
Species:
S. zeamais
Binomial name
Sitophilus zeamais
(Motschulsky), 1855
Synonyms
  • Calandra chilensis Philippi and Philippi, 1864
  • Calandra platensis Zacher, 1922
  • Cossonus quadrimaculata Walker, 1859

References