Maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais
(Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The maize weevil is very similar to the rice weevil in its habits. Both feed on cereals and grains. However, the maize weevil is more commonly found in wheat, whereas the rice weevil is more commonly found in corn. Precise identification is best left to the experts. This species is worldwide in distribution.

The maize weevil is a snout beetle, in that it has its mandibles at the tip of a long snout. This species is also similar to the rice weevil in description, but is slightly smaller (2.3 to 2.9 mm). In addition, this species usually has punctures on the midline of the pronotum, while in the rice weevil the midline is commonly puncture free. The thorax is pitted with deep pits. The life cycle can be completed in as little as 30 days.

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Adult maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais.
(Photographer: L.J. Buss, University of Florida)

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