The Coffee Bean Weevil, Araecerus Fasciculatus (DeGeer), A New Potential Pest Of Citris In Florida

The coffee bean weevil was originally described in 1775 from India, and it has long been known as a widely distributed, minor pest of stored products (cotton, 1963:64). During the fall of 1971 a heavy infestation was found in a citrus grove in Lake County, Florida. It was originally thought to be secondary in oranges and of little consequence. I personally observed weevils ovipositing in normal, healthy looking Hamlin oranges on the tree, the accompanying photos show considerable fruit drop (fig. 9) and larvae burrowing in the peel (fig. 6).

There are many questions about why a long-established, minor, stored product pest would suddenly become (at least in a relatively small area) a primary pest of fresh citrus. At present no answers have been determined, although several possibilities have been suggested: 1) natural enemies (e.g., parasites, predators, diseases) have been suppressed, creating population pressures and a premium on available food; 2) another species (sibling or cryptic) might be involved; 3) genetic changes have occurred, changing host preferences. Although the extent of the infestation and the exact cause may never be determined, this Circular has been prepared to acquaint growers and regulatory personnel with the problem.