The Boll Weevil (Anthonomus grandis) is a beetle thought to be native to Central Mexico. The species feeds on cotton buds and flowers; during the late 19th century, it migrated into the United States from Mexico, and infested all the US cotton-growing areas, devastating the industry. It similarly became a serious pest in South America in the late 20th century. Physically the Boll Weevil has a long snout and has a gray coloration. They cannot survive in extreme heat and drought, and their natural predators are fire ants, insects, spiders, birds, and a parasitic wasp.
The Boll Weevil has an overall body length between .16”-.31” (4-8 mm), body width of .06”-.12” (1.5-3 mm), and body height of .05”-.09” (1.2-2.4 mm). The typical lifespan of the Boll Weevil is between 17-21 days.
The Boll Weevil (Anthonomus grandis) is a beetle thought to be native to Central Mexico. The species feeds on cotton buds and flowers; during the late 19th century, it migrated into the United States from Mexico, and infested all the US cotton-growing areas, devastating the industry. It similarly became a serious pest in South America in the late 20th century. Physically the Boll Weevil has a long snout and has a gray coloration. They cannot survive in extreme heat and drought, and their natural predators are fire ants, insects, spiders, birds, and a parasitic wasp.
The Boll Weevil has an overall body length between .16”-.31” (4-8 mm), body width of .06”-.12” (1.5-3 mm), and body height of .05”-.09” (1.2-2.4 mm). The typical lifespan of the Boll Weevil is between 17-21 days.
