Clover Root Weevil vs Northern Corn Rootworm

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Clover Root Weevil Northern Corn Rootworm
Scientific Name Sitona obsoletus Diabrotica barberi
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Curculionidae Chrysomelidae
Size 3-5 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Grasslands Farmland
Diet Root Feeders Root Feeders
Regions Europe, New Zealand (invasive) North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Clover Root Weevil

A small, grey-brown weevil that feeds on clover roots and nitrogen-fixing nodules. It became a major invasive pest in New Zealand pastures.

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Did You Know?

By destroying nitrogen-fixing root nodules, it reduces pasture fertility, costing New Zealand agriculture hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

Northern Corn Rootworm

A pale green beetle whose larvae attack corn root systems. It can survive crop rotation by extending egg diapause for two years.

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Did You Know?

Its eggs can remain dormant in soil for over two years, defeating traditional crop rotation strategies.