Adult: Reddish snout beetle, shiny, antlike, slender bodied, bluish black head, 1/4 inch long. Larva: White, legless, pale brown head, up to 3/8 inch long.
Sweet potato.
Adults seldom cause damage. Larvae tunnel through sweet potatoes and vines.
Parts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. This insect is not known to occur in Virginia, notity your extension agent or the Dept. of Ag if you suspeect you have this weevil.
Destroy infested potatoes and all vines at harvest. Remove volunteer sweet potatoes and other related weeds.
Plants may be dusted with diatomaceous earth.
No known chemical control for sweet potato weevil.
Notice: Because pesticide labels can change rapidly, you should read the label directions carefully before buying and using any pesticides. Regardless of the information provided here, you should always follow the latest product label when using any pesticide. If you have any doubt, please contact your local Extension agent or pesticide dealer for the latest information on pesticide label changes.
Disclaimer: Commercial products named on this site are for informational purposes only. Virginia Cooperative Extension does not endorse these products and does not intend discrimination against other products which also may be suitable.
Prepared by Alexandra Spring and Eric Day (Modified from a publication by the USDA)