Clover root weevil

Sitona lepidus

The adult weevil feeds on clover leaves. Although present all year round it is most abundant in summer. The larvae are most damaging. Although present throughout the year, they are most abundant from late autumn to early spring.

If CRW populations are high and pasture stressed, this can result in total clover loss in pastures. ,,

The most obvious sign of CRW is the distinctive notching on clover leaves caused by adult feeding. If notching is observed, further evidence of CRW can be found by digging up some clover plants to look for larvae in the top 5cm of soil near clover roots.

The adult stage of CRW feeds on clover leaves and the larval stages feed on clover roots.

The picture on the right shows severe adult feeding. You may see fewer notches, so check for other signs of damage too.

Young larvae tend to feed in clover root nodules (which capture atmospheric nitrogen), while bigger larvae will feed anywhere on the root system

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