Grape curculio, Craponius inaequalis (Say)
This species is a small, black weevil about 2.5 mm
long.
Unlike the two weevil pests discussed earlier, grape curculios feed
directly
on the grape berries. Adults overwinter in sheltered places and become
active about the time of Concord grape bloom. Feeding by the adults on
leaves results in small groups of short, curved lines. After about two
weeks, oviposition begins. The female chews a cavity beneath the skin
of
the grape and places an egg inside. The egg hatches in about six days,
and the larva, a legless grub, feeds on the flesh and seeds. After
about
three weeks, the larva drops to the ground and pupates. New adults
emerge
3-4 weeks later. These feed on foliage for the rest of the summer and
hibernate
when winter comes.
This is taken primarily from an extension
bulletin
by D. G. Pfeiffer & P. B. Schultz, entitled "Major Insect and Mite
Pests of Grape in Virginia" (Va. Coop. Ext. Serv. 444-567 (1986))
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