About Plum Curculio
A dark brown snout beetle covered in warty bumps that is a major pest of stone fruits. Females carve a crescent-shaped scar around each egg they lay in developing fruit.
Did You Know?
The distinctive crescent-shaped scar it cuts around each egg prevents the growing fruit from crushing the larva inside.
How to Identify Plum Curculio
Plum Curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Curculionidae. Adults typically measure 4-6 mm.
Plum Curculio Habitat
Plum Curculio is found in orchards habitats, particularly across Eastern North America from Canada to the Gulf states. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Plum Curculio Diet and Feeding
Plum Curculio feeds on fruits. Fruit-feeding insects are attracted to ripe and decaying fruit, and some species can be significant agricultural pests.
Where Is Plum Curculio Found?
Plum Curculio can be found in Eastern North America from Canada to the Gulf states, where it inhabits orchards environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Plum Curculio can be found
Is Plum Curculio Dangerous?
Plum Curculio is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Plum Curculio Role in Nature
Plum Curculio is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Plum Curculio
What does Plum Curculio look like?
The Plum Curculio typically measures 4-6 mm.
Where is Plum Curculio found?
The Plum Curculio is found in Eastern North America from Canada to the Gulf states and typically inhabits orchards environments.
What does Plum Curculio eat?
The Plum Curculio feeds on fruits.
Is Plum Curculio dangerous to humans?
The Plum Curculio is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Plum Curculio?
The distinctive crescent-shaped scar it cuts around each egg prevents the growing fruit from crushing the larva inside.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Plum Curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/plum-curculio
MLA:
"Plum Curculio." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/plum-curculio.