Aegorhinus vitulus weevil

Aegorhinus vitulus is a specific species of weevil belonging to the family Curculionidae (order Coleoptera). This pest is primarily found in regions of South America, particularly in Chile, where it poses a significant threat to orchard crops, especially members of the Rosaceae family.

The primary host plants damaged by this pest include fruit trees such as apple, pear, plum, and cherry, as well as several types of shrubs. Adult weevils damage the above-ground parts of the plants by feeding on leaves and buds, while the larvae lead a hidden life cycle within the plant tissue.

The life cycle of this weevil includes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Females lay eggs in cracks in the bark or in the soil near the base of the trunk. After hatching, the larvae penetrate the root system or the lower part of the stem, boring galleries that disrupt nutrient flow and lead to the gradual decline of the plant.

Damage symptoms include premature yellowing of foliage, dieback of individual branches, and overall weakening of the tree. In areas where larvae are active, bark necrosis often occurs, creating entry points for secondary fungal and bacterial infections, which significantly reduces yield and shortens the tree's lifespan.

Control measures involve an integrated approach: applying insecticides during the adult active flight period and implementing preventive maintenance such as scraping dead bark from trunks. Proper horticultural practices, including irrigation and fertilization to support tree health, along with regular monitoring of the root collar, are essential for early detection and management of infestations.