Redbay Ambrosia Beetle vs Red Palm Weevil

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Redbay Ambrosia Beetle Red Palm Weevil
Scientific Name Xyleborus glabratus Rhynchophorus ferrugineus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Curculionidae (Scolytinae) Curculionidae
Size 1.8–2.4 mm 19-42 mm
Habitat Forests Farmland
Diet Wood Feeders Herbivores
Regions Southeastern United States, Southeast Asia Asia, Africa, Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Redbay Ambrosia Beetle

An invasive beetle from Southeast Asia that vectors laurel wilt disease in the Americas. It bores into healthy trees of the laurel family.

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Did You Know?

It has devastated redbay tree populations across the southeastern US and now threatens the avocado industry.

Red Palm Weevil

A large rusty-red weevil with a long curved rostrum and dark spots on the thorax. Its larvae bore deep into the trunks of palm trees, often killing them.

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Did You Know?

In some Southeast Asian countries, the large grubs of this destructive pest are considered a delicacy and are eaten roasted or fried.