Agave weevil

Scyphophorus acupunctatus

1. Identification

• Common name: Agave weevil
• Scientific name: Scyphophorus acupunctatus Gyllenhal
• Order: Coleoptera
• Family: Dryophthoridae

2. Pest description

• Adults: Beetles of 10–18 mm; elongated body, black to dark brown; well-developed rostrum; elytra with longitudinal striations.
• Larvae: Apodous, cream-yellowish body, brown head; up to 20–25 mm; robust and curved.
• Eggs: White, oval, laid in wounds, leaf bases or weakened plant tissues.

3. Main hosts

• Agave spp. (main host).
• Other Agavaceae, including Furcraea spp.
• It can attack weakened or wounded plants, being more frequent in agave crops for fibre production or ornamental purposes.

4. Symptoms and damage

• Borings and galleries in the pseudostem and at the base of the leaves.
• Exudation of dark liquids and a fermented odour.
• Progressive wilting of the inner leaves.
• Collapse of the centre of the plant in severe attacks.
• Death of the plant when the attack reaches the apical meristem.

5. Biological cycle

• Winter spent as larva or pupa inside the plant or in dead tissues.
• Adults active during much of the year in warm climates.
• Oviposition in wounds, leaf bases or soft tissues.
• Larvae feed intensively inside the pseudostem, where they complete their development.
• Pupation in internal chambers built with fibres.
• 2–3 generations per year, depending on temperature.

6. Monitoring

• Traps with pheromones and food attractants for early detection.
• Visual inspection of plants with central wilting or dark exudation.
• Observation of borings at the base of the leaves and the presence of loose fibres.
• Historical records of the holding for risk assessment.

7. Management measures

• Cultural: These include the removal and destruction of heavily attacked plants, elimination of plant debris and reduction of wounds during cultural operations. The choice of healthy plants and the maintenance of good growing conditions reduce susceptibility.
• Biological: These are based on the use of entomopathogens such as Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, applied in areas of larval activity. The conservation of natural enemies contributes to reducing pest pressure.
• Integrated protection: This is based on monitoring with pheromones, early detection and selective intervention. Treatments should target the adults, the most exposed stage. The integration of cultural and biological practices and continuous monitoring makes it possible to keep the pest below the damage threshold.

Bibliographic references

• EPPO Global Database – Scyphophorus acupunctatus.
• CABI Invasive Species Compendium – Scyphophorus acupunctatus.
• Ruiz‑Montiel, C. et al. (2008). Biology and management of the agave weevil.
• Alford, D. V. (2007). Pest and Disease Management Handbook.
• Rodríguez‑Leyva, E. et al. (2010). Damage and life cycle of the agave snout weevil.