Sugarcane weevil borer

The adult weevil is dark coloured and about 12-15 mm long. The larvae are legless and creamy in colour with an oval red-brown head. The abdomen bells out before coming to a point. Pupae are wrapped in tightly bound fibre cocoons.

Damage: Adult weevils are attracted to fermented or damaged cane. Whilst the adults do not cause damage, females can survive for up to six months laying an average of one egg each day. Eggs are laid into small cavities chewed into the rind by females or into damaged areas on the cane stalk, such as growth splits, rat bites, harvester or wind damage.