Red-legged weevil

The red-legged weevil (Magdalis ruficornis) is a significant pest of fruit trees belonging to the order Coleoptera and the family Curculionidae. This species is commonly found in orchards and wooded areas, where it primarily targets woody stems and branches of various deciduous trees.

This pest affects a wide range of pome and stone fruit crops. Common hosts include apple, pear, plum, cherry, and blackthorn trees. The infestation often occurs in weakened trees, though healthy specimens can also be severely damaged if the population density of the beetle reaches a critical threshold.

The biology of Magdalis ruficornis is centered around its wood-boring larval stage. The larvae overwinter inside tunnels excavated beneath the bark or within the sapwood of small branches. In the spring, they pupate and emerge as adults. These adults engage in supplemental feeding on buds and new leaves, causing additional stress to the host tree during the growing season.

Damage caused by the pest is characterized by visible holes in the bark of thin twigs and branches. Larval galleries disrupt the vascular tissues of the tree, impeding the flow of water and nutrients. This results in dieback of affected branches, reduced fruit yield, and, in severe cases, the death of young trees.

Management and control strategies focus on integrated pest management practices. Key measures include:

• Pruning and destroying infested branches to eliminate larvae.
• Applying contact insecticides during the beetle emergence phase.
• Maintaining tree health through proper fertilization and irrigation to improve resistance.
• Monitoring the canopy during the bud break period.