Compsus viridivittatus

Compsus viridivittatus is a species of broad-nosed weevil belonging to the order Coleoptera and the family Curculionidae. This insect is recognized as a significant pest in agricultural sectors, particularly in areas cultivating citrus fruits, where it can cause substantial foliage and root damage.

The primary hosts of this pest include various citrus species such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. While they prefer citrus trees, they have also been observed feeding on a variety of other woody ornamental plants, which serves as a reservoir for populations in urban and suburban landscapes.

The life cycle involves four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs are typically laid in batches on foliage. Upon hatching, the larvae drop to the ground and burrow into the soil, where they consume root tissue. The adults return to the foliage to feed, completing the cycle and ensuring the survival of the next generation.

The damage caused by Compsus viridivittatus is twofold. Adults create irregular, scalloped notches along the leaf margins, often leaving only the midrib. More dangerously, the root-feeding larvae reduce the plant's ability to absorb nutrients and water, often leading to yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and canopy thinning.

Effective management requires an integrated approach:

• regular visual inspection of foliage during the spring and summer months;
• application of appropriate insecticides to foliage during the peak feeding period of adults;
• utilization of soil-applied treatments to target developing larvae;
• application of sticky bands to trunks to prevent adult movement.